13" MBP 2018 for Web Development

[toffz]

Hey all,

I haven't seen much discussion on what to get for Web Developers, so I wanted to ask here.

I think I'm leaning towards a 13"... though I can still be convinced to get a 15", but being able to use an iPad as a second monitor put my mind at ease about screen space.

So would the i7, 16gb ram, 512gb storage be good for full stack web development? Running local servers, grunt, compilers, etc.

Would I be okay with the i5 13"?

Anyone have any thoughts or opinions? Is a 15" 6 core a must? 32gb something I should have?

Thanks for any thoughts or opinions!

 

[Newtons Apple]

For the difference in cost I got the 15". No regrets!

 

[toffz]

For the difference in cost I got the 15". No regrets!

When you say for the difference in cost, do you mean that you get more value for the 15"? If money wasnt a factor, would you prefer the 13" for portability?

 

[Newtons Apple]

When you say for the difference in cost, do you mean that you get more value for the 15"? If money wasnt a factor, would you prefer the 13" for portability?

It would be hard for me to go back to a 13" screen after seeing and using the 15". Both sizes are very portable.

 

[Beau10]

I'm a Rails/React dev, used both and prefer the 13", but I do pump the resolution to 1920 x 1200 HiDPI.

My current machine, a 2016 nTB 13", was purchased by my last company - which literally had a maxxed 15" ordered that I pleaded with them to cancel. Just not a fan of the ergonomics of the 15", but I confess I haven't lived with the latest body style (my 15" was a late 2013).

 

[toffz]

I'm a Rails/React dev, used both and prefer the 13", but I do pump the resolution to 1920 x 1200 HiDPI.

My current machine, a 2016 nTB 13", was purchased by my last company - which literally had a maxxed 15" ordered that I pleaded with them to cancel. Just not a fan of the ergonomics of the 15", but I confess I haven't lived with the latest body style (my 15" was a late 2013).

Thanks for the input. So you think the new quadcore i5 would be more than enough for development? i7 might be too much?

 

[Hakiroto]

Thanks for the input. So you think the new quadcore i5 would be more than enough for development? i7 might be too much?

Web development covers quite a lot these days but either of the CPUs available are more than enough. I'm a developer and I've used a 2015 13" dual-core i5 MacBook Pro for the past couple of years and it's been fine. Just make sure you get 16 GB RAM.

 

[toffz]

Web development covers quite a lot these days but either of the CPUs available are more than enough. I'm a developer and I've used a 2015 13" dual-core i5 MacBook Pro for the past couple of years and it's been fine. Just make sure you get 16 GB RAM.

Yeah, that's the thought. I'd probably be working in react, nodejs, and possibly Swift in the near future. Definitely will need to run virtual box to test. I have yet to fully know what kind of local set up I'll be using, but conceivably using webpack to run the local server and bundling.

I'm hoping 16gb is enough. Is 32gb for the 15" worth the upgrade? Or is that just unnecessary... glad to hear that either processor is good for this. Might save money and go with i5 if I don't change my mind last second to 15".

 

[justinf77]

Yeah, that's the thought. I'd probably be working in react, nodejs, and possibly Swift in the near future. Definitely will need to run virtual box to test. I have yet to fully know what kind of local set up I'll be using, but conceivably using webpack to run the local server and bundling.

I'm hoping 16gb is enough. Is 32gb for the 15" worth the upgrade? Or is that just unnecessary... glad to hear that either processor is good for this. Might save money and go with i5 if I don't change my mind last second to 15".

The performance difference between the i5 and i7 is negligible. Consider this... the i5 quad-core outperforms even the highest-end quad-core 15" from 2017. You should go with the i5 / 16 / 512 model unless you need more SSD space.

A lot of people who bought the 13" i7 model on this forum did so because it's the only 13" build with 16GB RAM that Apple has available in stores. Totally understandable, and I almost did that myself, but in the end decided to wait on a custom build (same one as you actually, i5 / 16 / 512).

 

[Beau10]

Thanks for the input. So you think the new quadcore i5 would be more than enough for development? i7 might be too much?

Linus was doing his work on a 11" MBA, and I did as well when I got into Rails dev in 2011. Any variant of the new machines is going to be an absolute scorcher for full-stack web dev.

I don't feel there is anything that is *too much*, however much faster the machine is it will be noticeable in certain situations... esp. in compiles, running test suites, building containers/VMs. This stuff can add up. Depending on your workflow you may get an extra 5 seconds per day or an extra 5 minutes.

The bigger question might be how long you plan to keep the machine as upgrades don't really hold their value much. For instance, going with a lower spec machine might make it more feasible to upgrade every two 2 years instead of every 3-4, and on average have a faster machine. The next gen is liable to have some sizable performance improvements due moving to a 10nm process.

 

[MBAir2010]

why? isn't the web developed enough?

 

[toffz]

Linus was doing his work on a 11" MBA, and I did as well when I got into Rails dev in 2011. Any variant of the new machines is going to be an absolute scorcher for full-stack web dev.

I don't feel there is anything that is *too much*, however much faster the machine is it will be noticeable in certain situations... esp. in compiles, running test suites, building containers/VMs. This stuff can add up. Depending on your workflow you may get an extra 5 seconds per day or an extra 5 minutes.

The bigger question might be how long you plan to keep the machine as upgrades don't really hold their value much. For instance, going with a lower spec machine might make it more feasible to upgrade every two 2 years instead of every 3-4, and on average have a faster machine. The next gen is liable to have some sizable performance improvements due moving to a 10nm process.

Hoping to have this as long as possible. I currently have a 2011 15" and haven't developed outside of work because of it. Just can't handle even trying to get a local set up for myself. You make great points, leaning i5. Thanks for your input!

The performance difference between the i5 and i7 is negligible. Consider this... the i5 quad-core outperforms even the highest-end quad-core 15" from 2017. You should go with the i5 / 16 / 512 model unless you need more SSD space.

A lot of people who bought the 13" i7 model on this forum did so because it's the only 13" build with 16GB RAM that Apple has available in stores. Totally understandable, and I almost did that myself, but in the end decided to wait on a custom build (same one as you actually, i5 / 16 / 512).

That totally makes sense, I'm glad people are confident in the i5. Thank you!

 

[Beau10]

You should go with the i5 / 16 / 512 model unless you need more SSD space.

I feel like this is the gold standard. This is the spec I'll be asking my next employer to get (currently deciding between two job offers, so this should be in my hands within a few weeks).

 

[toffz]

I feel like this is the gold standard. This is the spec I'll be asking my next employer to get (currently deciding between two job offers, so this should be in my hands within a few weeks).

Love it! Hope you choose well 🙂

i5 / 16 / 512 is the current lean and just consider the savings as a forward for the next MBP because I love new technology haha.

 

[LordGeddon]

Hey, also a web developer here (React, NodeJS) 🙂

For what its worth I went with the souped up 15inch i9 with 32gb Ram. Work have currently loaned me a 13 inch 2017 Macbook pro 13, and tbh I really do miss the extra real estate with the 15. Like you I have an external monitor setup, but for the times you're working remotely the extra space on the 15 works wonders. Even when hooked to an external monitor, the 15 allows you to better multitask (eg fitting browser tabs, youtube and terminal on same screen) while I use my monitor exlusively for my code editor.

I also went with the 32GB ram because I like to run virtual machines, if you do too then I would only suggest ramping up to 32gb. As for the processor I went with the i9 which is a little overkill but it was within my budget so why not.

Though to answer your question, I honestly think the web developer sweet spot is the 15inch 32gb Ram with the BASE i7 (2.2). Storage is subjective depending if you use things like Docker images heavily, but 512gb is fine if you don't deal with heavy assets like large video files and/or TIF images.

 

[toffz]

Hey, also a web developer here (React, NodeJS) 🙂

For what its worth I went with the souped up 15inch i9 with 32gb Ram. Work have currently loaned me a 13 inch 2017 Macbook pro 13, and tbh I really do miss the extra real estate with the 15. Like you I have an external monitor setup, but for the times you're working remotely the extra space on the 15 works wonders. Even when hooked to an external monitor, the 15 allows you to better multitask (eg fitting browser tabs, youtube and terminal on same screen) while I use my monitor exlusively for my code editor.

I also went with the 32GB ram because I like to run virtual machines, if you do too then I would only suggest ramping up to 32gb. As for the processor I went with the i9 which is a little overkill but it was within my budget so why not.

Though to answer your question, I honestly think the web developer sweet spot is the 15inch 32gb Ram with the BASE i7 (2.2). Storage is subjective depending if you use things like Docker images heavily, but 512gb is fine if you don't deal with heavy assets like large video files and/or TIF images.

Thanks! Now I'm waffling back to the 15" which I do use for work. And I do worry about missing the extra space 🙂. I'm glad base would work well

 

[LordGeddon]

Thanks! Now I'm waffling back to the 15" which I do use for work. And I do worry about missing the extra space 🙂. I'm glad base would work well

Can't go wrong with the 15inch base i7, for your needs it'll be an absolute powerhouse 🙂

 

[estabya]

If you can handle the ergonomics and of course afford the 15" I would say to go with that. You mentioned that you are hoping to use the machine as long as possible, and the $800 difference in price between say the 13" i5/16/512 vs the 15" i7 2.2/32/512 amounts to less than $0.50 a day over the course of 5 years. Plus you get the faster CPU, double the RAM, and a dedicated GPU, all of which will contribute to the machine's longevity.

However, if you prefer the 13" or don't want to/can't spend the extra on the 15", I imagine you will be more than happy with the 13". I have done a bunch of full stack web development (Mostly Django stuff, so python, javascript, bootstrap, etc) on a base 2014 13" MBP and it was fine. I obviously used external monitors while at the desk, but it was more than usable on the go too.

 

[toffz]

If you can handle the ergonomics and of course afford the 15" I would say to go with that. You mentioned that you are hoping to use the machine as long as possible, and the $800 difference in price between say the 13" i5/16/512 vs the 15" i7 2.2/32/512 amounts to less than $0.50 a day over the course of 5 years. Plus you get the faster CPU, double the RAM, and a dedicated GPU, all of which will contribute to the machine's longevity.

However, if you prefer the 13" or don't want to/can't spend the extra on the 15", I imagine you will be more than happy with the 13". I have done a bunch of full stack web development (Mostly Django stuff, so python, javascript, bootstrap, etc) on a base 2014 13" MBP and it was fine. I obviously used external monitors while at the desk, but it was more than usable on the go too.

Yeah it's hard. I've been 15" all my life and everything you say makes sense. I just kind of envy the 13" form factor, but without actually developing on it, it's hard to say if I like it, but I'm thinking I want that portability. Commitment is scary 😀

 

[LordGeddon]

Yeah it's hard. I've been 15" all my life and everything you say makes sense. I just kind of envy the 13" form factor, but without actually developing on it, it's hard to say if I like it, but I'm thinking I want that portability. Commitment is scary 😀

The 15inch is still pretty portable in itself. The only times I wished I had the portability of the 13inch were on flights, but even then I just tend to use the iPad.

 

[lympero]

I'm also a developer (React and React-Native) and gonna keep this machine for at least 4-5 years and can't decide if i should order the base 15' with 32gb RAM and 512 SSD (which means 30 days delivery time) or just grab the high-end 15 and hope that 16gb will be enough in the coming years.
Currently i'm struggling with a 2015 13' with 8gb RAM which needs to be restarted twice per day to become snappy again!

 

[LordGeddon]

I'm also a developer (React and React-Native) and gonna keep this machine for at least 4-5 years and can't decide if i should order the base 15' with 32gb RAM and 512 SSD (which means 30 days delivery time) or just grab the high-end 15 and hope that 16gb will be enough in the coming years.
Currently i'm struggling with a 2015 13' with 8gb RAM which needs to be restarted twice per day to become snappy again!

By high end 15 I assume you mean the i9? Because that with 'only' 16gb RAM is probably the worst setup you can get for a developer lol.

Honestly, wait it out. The 32gb RAM is going to be where you'll get the extra shelf life for your machine as a developer, and I'd confidently wager that your 16gb of ram is going to be your first bottleneck over the years instead of the CPU, which at i9 is ridiculously overkill. Personally, the main appeal of these newer models ( for a developer ) is the increased RAM, otherwise you're better off just getting a refurbed older model.

 

[Beau10]

The 15inch is still pretty portable in itself. The only times I wished I had the portability of the 13inch were on flights, but even then I just tend to use the iPad.

It's not just portability though, it's ergonomics. For me, the casing of the older 15" rMBP was fairly uncomfortable to use relative to the 13" - the simple amount of articulation in my wrists, the amount my forearms touched the casing, it was noticeable, esp. with the sharp edge of the chassis and the expanse of the wrist rests. I had a 15" when the 13" rMBP first came out and one of my co-workers got one. I borrowed it for a half day and it was just heaven to use. Beyond this, I also like to use my computer in my lap kicking back on a lounge chair. Totally doable with the 15" but the 13" just feels so much better in this mode.

I'm a small guy though, and the experience of using a 13" is probably similar to someone who is 6' using the 15". And the newer machines improve on my past experience with a slightly smaller footprint and thinner chassis, just haven't been swayed when playing around with them in my local Apple stores.

 

[LordGeddon]

It's not just portability though, it's ergonomics. For me, the casing of the older 15" rMBP was fairly uncomfortable to use relative to the 13" - the simple amount of articulation in my wrists, the amount my forearms touched the casing, it was noticeable, esp. with the sharp edge of the chassis and the expanse of the wrist rests. I had a 15" when the 13" rMBP first came out and one of my co-workers got one. I borrowed it for a half day and it was just heaven to use. Beyond this, I also like to use my computer in my lap kicking back on a lounge chair. Totally doable with the 15" but the 13" just feels so much better in this mode.

I'm a small guy though, and the experience of using a 13" is probably similar to someone who is 6' using the 15". And the newer machines improve on my past experience with a slightly smaller footprint and thinner chassis, just haven't been swayed when playing around with them in my local Apple stores.

It's a purely subjective thing. I have the opposite experience where I find the ergonomics of the 13inch less comfortable, but again I am 6ft tall with long fingers so you might be on to something with the height-to-comfort correlation 🙂

I think the best thing the OP can do is to walk into an Apple store and play around with both models and see which form factor they take a liking to the most.

 

[toffz]

It's a purely subjective thing. I have the opposite experience where I find the ergonomics of the 13inch less comfortable, but again I am 6ft tall with long fingers so you might be on to something with the height-to-comfort correlation 🙂

I think the best thing the OP can do is to walk into an Apple store and play around with both models and see which form factor they take a liking to the most.

I spent an hour in the store inspecting element, opening terminal, reading code on github. I do like the idea of 13" portability and ergonomics as Beau10 mentioned, but it's also balancing tech and future proofing. Agh, I hate tough decisions haha. All of you have actually made this easier and helped me clearly define pros and cons for everything, so I thank you all! At the end of the day, I just have to sack up and choose one haha.

~800 difference between 15" base i7, 32gb ram, 512 and 13" i5, 16gb ram, 512gb I'd get... maybe I should flip a coin.

But I'm happy to know whatever choice I make, it'll be great for developing.