2017 MBP 13" base model vs newer base models

[ApplesandOranges]

I just picked up a 2017 13" base MBP 2.3ghz, 8gb ram, and 128 storage for $989.00 using sale prices, discounts, and Best Buy points. I decided the 2017 with F keys was a good choice for me. I was not sure about the reliability of the Touch Bar and didn't really have a need. There are no T2 chips to worry about, and... well basically it was a good price.

I don't store music or movies on my laptop, and offload files to a home server after I complete an assignment. On my Air, I used less that 60gb total. So 128 does me fine. My use is not too demanding. I do reports in Word, use it for a lot of email (Mail and Outlook), online research and accessing databases, downloading and uploading files to a corporate server. and combining video clips using Wondershare.

I am on week two and have really grown to like the keyboard. I can type faster. I have had no issues and the screen is fantastic.

My question is...

-Is the 2019 base model that much better or faster?

-I realize the 2017 model I have is known to have keyboard issues, but just as many people or more have had NO issues.

-I have read good and bad things about the T2 chip in the new models. Do I need this?

-The base 2019 has a quad core processor. Do I need a quad core for my needs?

-Does a Quad core affect battery life?

I have lingered here long enough to realize that everyone has an opinion so I am sure I will get a variety of responses. My goal is to find someone who has experience with both machines, or for someone to offer insight or point out something I haven't considered, or maybe tell me I am overthinking this and just enjoy my machine. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mmark77]

Looks like Best Buy has a sale on the 2019 13 1.4Ghz (8Gb ram, 128 gb had) for $1099. For $110 more, I’d upgrade.

You’ll have piece of mind, and the new computer should be as efficient as yours in terms of battery life, while providing more performance.

 

[ApplesandOranges]

I answered my own questions. I picked up a 2019.

 

[leman]

-Is the 2019 base model that much better or faster?

Yes, it is. Much faster CPU, some extra (premium components). For similar money, it’s a better deal.

-I realize the 2017 model I have is known to have keyboard issues, but just as many people or more have had NO issues.

Yes (not sure what your question is )

-I have read good and bad things about the T2 chip in the new models. Do I need this?

No, you don’t “need it”, but it’s a very nice thing to have. What not to like about more security and battery savings?

-The base 2019 has a quad core processor. Do I need a quad core for my needs?

Not nessesarily. It is twice as fast than your laptop though for more serous workloads. So it’s a big difference.

-Does a Quad core affect battery life?

It’s still a 15W CPU, just as one you have. It might potentially use slightly more power when you push it, but it will also do twice amount of work per unit of time. Overall, I expect the 2019 model to have better battery life.

 

[kindaichi81]

I just picked up a 2017 13" base MBP 2.3ghz, 8gb ram, and 128 storage for $989.00 using sale prices, discounts, and Best Buy points. I decided the 2017 with F keys was a good choice for me. I was not sure about the reliability of the Touch Bar and didn't really have a need. There are no T2 chips to worry about, and... well basically it was a good price.

I don't store music or movies on my laptop, and offload files to a home server after I complete an assignment. On my Air, I used less that 60gb total. So 128 does me fine. My use is not too demanding. I do reports in Word, use it for a lot of email (Mail and Outlook), online research and accessing databases, downloading and uploading files to a corporate server. and combining video clips using Wondershare.

I am on week two and have really grown to like the keyboard. I can type faster. I have had no issues and the screen is fantastic.

My question is...

-Is the 2019 base model that much better or faster?

-I realize the 2017 model I have is known to have keyboard issues, but just as many people or more have had NO issues.

-I have read good and bad things about the T2 chip in the new models. Do I need this?

-The base 2019 has a quad core processor. Do I need a quad core for my needs?

-Does a Quad core affect battery life?

I have lingered here long enough to realize that everyone has an opinion so I am sure I will get a variety of responses. My goal is to find someone who has experience with both machines, or for someone to offer insight or point out something I haven't considered, or maybe tell me I am overthinking this and just enjoy my machine. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

if i am u, i will certainly go for 2019 base macbook pro.

 

[ApplesandOranges]

if i am u, i will certainly go for 2019 base macbook pro.

I did get the 2019 with 256 of storage. Really like it and notice the keyboard is a lot quieter. Touch Bar and Touch ID is pretty cool.