2020 MacBook Pro vs Air - Which to choose (see below)

[sau93]

What would folks opinions be of a 2019 MBP with 9th gen 2.3 GHz,16GB RAM / 512GB SSD?

Still in full AppleCare warranty and can get for a lot less than either the MBP OR MBA new from Apple?

The keyboard is weak on 13" 2019 model

 

[danb1979]

The keyboard is weak on 13" 2019 model

it’s a 15.4” version and I’ve already got a Trackpad 2 and full numeric magic keyboard etc

 

[LFC2020]

Also think of resale value on butterfly keyboard macs, you'll be taking a hit when it comes to selling it in the future.

Wouldn't be buying a butterfly keyboard Mac in 2020
[automerge]1590872946[/automerge]

it’s a 15.4” version and I’ve already got a Trackpad 2 and full numeric magic keyboard etc

You said you wanted a MacBook because of its portability.

Are you going to take the magic keyboard with you when the MacBook leaves the house?

 

[danb1979]

Also think of resale value on butterfly keyboard macs, you'll be taking a hit when it comes to selling it in the future.

Wouldn't be buying a butterfly keyboard Mac in 2020
[automerge]1590872946[/automerge]


You said you wanted a MacBook because of its portability.

Are you going to take the magic keyboard with you when the MacBook leaves the house?

No, I’ll use the MBP as it is. Is the keyboard that bad as I had no issues at all with my 2018 keyboard?

 

[iRun26.2]

No, I’ll use the MBP as it is. Is the keyboard that bad as I had no issues at all with my 2018 keyboard?

I have a 2015 MacBook with the butterfly keyboard. In all of those years I never had it replaced but I did have a couple keys stop working for a while. I never thought it was too bad until recently I’ve started typing on a different keyboard. I would never go back to the butterfly keyboard again!

 

[LFC2020]

No, I’ll use the MBP as it is. Is the keyboard that bad as I had no issues at all with my 2018 keyboard?

Sure is, my 2016 13" keys are acting up.

Enter key need to blow air into it to get it working again, one shift key feels firmer compared to the other, E key acting up, 6 key acting up. 😔

In all honestly save yourself the headaches, get a MacBook with a magic keyboard.

Only reason I haven't purchased one yet, waiting for the mini led screen refresh.

 

[danb1979]

Sure is, my 2016 13" keys are acting up.

Enter key need to blow air into it to get it working again, one shift key feels firmer compared to the other, E key acting up, 6 key acting up. 😔

In all honestly save yourself the headaches, get a MacBook with a magic keyboard.

Only reason I haven't purchased one yet, waiting for the mini led refresh.

What do you mean by this please?

 

[LFC2020]

What do you mean by this please?

Late this year, most likely early next year, apple will release a MacBook line up with mini led screens.😊

deeper blacks, better contrast, more oled like. 😍

Mini-LED: What it Means for Apple and MacBooks and iPads

Apple is planning to use mini-LED displays for much of its product lineup, adding the technology to multiple Mac notebooks and iPads. Mini-LED...

www.macrumors.com

 

[CheesegraterPro]

Following your post, are there risks on the battery life in the long term if the MBAir / Pro is daily in the clamshell mode with the connected charger for 90 % of the time?

I generally try to drain the battery of a laptop in clamshell mode once a week, especially if said laptop isn’t being disconnected from power often. Usually I take the laptop off of power and let it drain to around 20-30% before letting it recharge for the week.

 

[sundialsoft]

My wife has the butterfly keyboard and really likes it. I guess if you don't eat over the keyboard it's gonna be fine. The spec is good for most applications. 512 Gb SSD will last a while.
We tried both keyboards (2019 & 2020) side by side and they are not much different. I think the butterfly will work fine for many people.

 

[LFC2020]

My wife has the butterfly keyboard and really likes it. I guess if you don't eat over the keyboard it's gonna be fine.

Not true, I never eat while using my 2016 13" MacBook Pro. Yet i've had issues with the butterfly keyboard.

I'm sure a lot of other people have had issues also.

The butterfly keyboard is a faulty unreliable designed keyboard.

 

[iDarkTraveler]

I generally try to drain the battery of a laptop in clamshell mode once a week, especially if said laptop isn’t being disconnected from power often. Usually I take the laptop off of power and let it drain to around 20-30% before letting it recharge for the week.

In case you're using the MB in such way for a longer time, does the battery hold up without any issues?

 

[noobinator]

I’m debating these two and am slightly leaning towards the MB air right now. I can get it for cheaper and it should do everything I need it to. I’ll probably go with the i5 that’s on sale for $1049. One thing to consider is some people have issues with 4K monitors on the 8th generation mbp. The airs have 10th gen so they should have no issues. Your current monitor should be fine with either though.

 

[danb1979]

Just to update this; I’ve ordered a 2020 13” Mackbook Pro this morning, 16GB/512GB, 2.0GHz i5 quad-core


After much too’ing & fro’ing; I’ve gone with this over an Air or even a 27” iMac as I’d like to stick with the latest specs etc; plus after reading all the poor feedback re the 2019 keyboard issues etc; all that swayed it for me.

Managed to get it at a reduced price with £175 off via an eBay reseller and a cash-back site too; so I’ll put that towards buying new Space Grey numeric magic keyboard and TrackPad 2 and I’ll sell my white versions off on eBay


Will update more once it’s landed; just need to sort a USB-C hub now for an Ethernet connection and external HDD & DAC connections too