2018 13” MBP - my thoughts a week on

[Vazza]

I will look it up this evening when I get home. Not something I can easily amass on a phone or while at work. Hopefully it wasn’t gleaned from an audio podcast. Most of what I watched or read on here or linked reviews, etc. was more on the benchmarking. And the running cooler was more specific if I remember to the 2.2 v 2.6 and not the GPU. Really on the GPU it was more on the performance, where it impacts or doesn’t (application wise) and whether it was worth the added $$.

Thanks would appreciate it as I’m leaning towards the 2.2/16GB/512GB/555x option.

 

[Thysanoptera]

For me the whole debate is down to a simple math: 2.2 8750H when fully loaded can pull 90W of power (at 4.1 GHz already), I have a water cooling loop at my home desktop to take care of similar power output, with two 120mm fans. So I don't think I need more powerful CPU of the same microarchitecture. 555x pulls stable 35W when fully loaded, and for me this is 'just right' amount of GPU power for MB15 form factor. 560x has 1.333x more shaders so even without taking into account higher clock it pulls at least 46W fully loaded. The laptop chassis cannot dissipate more than 45-50W anyway, so fully loaded 555x leaves about 10-15W for CPU, while 560x leaves virtually nothing so you end up being at the mercy of how well the throttling algorithm and software are optimized to utilize whatever scraps of thermal capacity are left. I'm a strong proponent of the 2.2/555x camp as the most sensible combo for this particular chassis.

 

[Vazza]

For me the whole debate is down to a simple math: 2.2 8750H when fully loaded can pull 90W of power (at 4.1 GHz already), I have a water cooling loop at my home desktop to take care of similar power output, with two 120mm fans. So I don't think I need more powerful CPU of the same microarchitecture. 555x pulls stable 35W when fully loaded, and for me this is 'just right' amount of GPU power for MB15 form factor. 560x has 1.333x more shaders so even without taking into account higher clock it pulls at least 46W fully loaded. The laptop chassis cannot dissipate more than 45-50W anyway, so fully loaded 555x leaves about 10-15W for CPU, while 560x leaves virtually nothing so you end up being at the mercy of how well the throttling algorithm and software are optimized to utilize whatever scraps of thermal capacity are left. I'm a strong proponent of the 2.2/555x camp as the most sensible combo for this particular chassis.

This was very informative thank you...have you got the 2.2/555x?

 

[dannyar]

I get that. An obviously we all have different needs that create different value points. However, while it initially appeared that the 560X was a big step up from the 555X, more information is pointing to it not being a big difference UNLESS you specifically need the performance from it which I think is a fairly limited subset of users, ESPECIALLY when you consider that both dGPU options are now 4GB. And yes, no doubt a 6-Core 2.6 will outperform a 2.2 in benchmark testing, those tests show that the difference between those chips is not that significant, and in some cases is so close as to not make the 2.6 seem worth it. Quite a few sites are saying even if you want the 560X, to configure a 2.2 with it as it not only represents better value over the 2.6 but it also likely will run cooler and get better battery life. Another thing regarding the performance between the two machines is that you won’t see as much difference in single core tasks and so for much of a user’s tasks except when they push the cpu, that difference won’t be noticeable. Think about even the most demanding users and applications don’t tax the processor to its limits except for a smaller slice of use compared to the machine’s use on the whole.

But back to my first comment, each person’s needs will determine what items present the best value.

And don’t get me wrong. Love those T5 drives. But if I don’t have to use an external for core data I won’t. If I need to access data at least once a week, I want it internal. I use externals with desktops in an always connected capacity and when I use them with laptops, it is access projects and archival data outside of my typical needs and workflow.

The problem is the amount of money apple charges for SSD upgrades. Its quite a premium which is why in most cases you won't make that money back when you decide to sell cause for most people 512 is more than enough. Thats what happens with BTO higher end models is that people are not willing to pay the premium. The best option is have that inexpensive 512 external SSD when you need the storage and save the $400. Its a drive you can take with you to your next machine and not have to take a loss on it like you would a 1tb internal SSD upgrade. Ive seen people even attach these t5 drives to the back of the lid and basically makes it part of the system.

 

[Thysanoptera]

This was very informative thank you...have you got the 2.2/555x?

Yes, 2.2/555x/32/2TB. After cancelling impulse buy of 2.9/560x. Initial cost or resell value was the last thing I really cared, well, except the 4TB upgrade was outright ridiculous from a financial perspective, so I travel with 2TB Jmicron SSD in external 3.1 gen2 enclosure ($280 vs $2000 for going from 2TB to 4TB)

 

[roland.g]

The problem is the amount of money apple charges for SSD upgrades. Its quite a premium which is why in most cases you won't make that money back when you decide to sell cause for most people 512 is more than enough. Thats what happens with BTO higher end models is that people are not willing to pay the premium. The best option is have that inexpensive 512 external SSD when you need the storage and save the $400. Its a drive you can take with you to your next machine and not have to take a loss on it like you would a 1tb internal SSD upgrade. Ive seen people even attach these t5 drives to the back of the lid and basically makes it part of the system.

Like I said I hear your argument. I have had my 2012 Air for over 6 years now. Space is always an issue and after downgrading my 27" iMac to a Mac Mini I have decided that the Mini will be a home media server and home browsing desktop in some situations but that my MBP will become my go to machine (whereas my Air is a secondary now) and I will store a fair amount of permanent data on it. I will connect my MBP to the monitor when I work at my desk and use it elsewhere much more than I currently do my Air. And I simply don't want to connect and drag around external drives. The $400 sucks but for a 5-7 year machine, I can deal with it. I'm not concerned about resale at that point. The depreciation will be what it is and I will still get a small return on my Mac. I agree for a 1-3 year user who updates more often, the added cost of the storage doesn't make sense and won't come back in selling a relatively new machine. But at 5+ years, I am going to get my value.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Your experience with the 13 inch MacBook mirrors mine. I’ve been using a 2011 13 inch MacBook for a few months while I waited for new models to come out. I thought I’d be fine with a 13 inch, but i find I’m always hunched over when using it. I think it’s because the bezels are smaller and so the screen is much closer to base. I’ll probably go with the base 15 inch, which is overkill for my needs but not seeing other options.

I guess it’s like you’re doing this on the 13”

 

[maflynn]

TL;DR I thought that I’d have no issue going from a 15” screen to a 13” but am now starting to realise that perhaps I was wrong.

One piece of advice, regardless of your decision. Don't ignore that little voice. If you a nagging sensation that maybe you made a mistake, don't force the issue and stick with it. I thought I could live with the 13" and while some of the work was harder I thought I'd get used to it. In reality, the 15" was a machine I needed for a number of reasons. I liked my 13" laptop, it was a fine machine all around but the smaller display was the major factor. These things cost so much money, if you're completely satisfied with the 13" form factor, don't force the issue.

 

[Vazza]

One piece of advice, regardless of your decision. Don't ignore that little voice. If you a nagging sensation that maybe you made a mistake, don't force the issue and stick with it. I thought I could live with the 13" and while some of the work was harder I thought I'd get used to it. In reality, the 15" was a machine I needed for a number of reasons. I liked my 13" laptop, it was a fine machine all around but the smaller display was the major factor. These things cost so much money, if you're completely satisfied with the 13" form factor, don't force the issue.

Thanks for reinforcing my thoughts...I’m pretty much set on returning the 13” but just deciding on what config for the 15 to get. The 13” MBP is a fine machine but I really can’t see myself being able to sit in front of it for hours without being uncomfortable.