2020 MBA --> MBP 16"

[FCB1818]

Returning my specced out 2020 MBA which was my replacement for my perfect, wonderful, super 2015 rMBP. In short, I need more screen real estate and do *shudder* some gaming. I don't need small or ultrabook-is form factor, and I did find my MBA's fans firing relatively easily. Ultimately, for about a $800 difference, I can move from MBA to MBP 16".

1) I wasn't going to do any graphics updates and perused the forums and youtube videos to essentially confirm that the base 5300 will support Civ 6, CoH2, and various AAA titles at medium settings. If the additional $90 to get the 5500 is a missed opportunity, though, please let me know!!!

2) If going with base model, the refurb store obviously has some in stock. Are there concerns I should have?

 

[aajeevlin]

What are you looking to get for your 16"? I'm still debating as well. Going back the forth between MBA 2020 and a refurb 16". I like the small form factor of the MBA, but I really want a bigger screen. But coming form a 2011 MBP 13", I think anything is better, haha.

I wish Apple could have a cheaper version of the Macbook Pro 16"...

 

[FCB1818]

What are you looking to get for your 16"? I'm still debating as well. Going back the forth between MBA 2020 and a refurb 16". I like the small form factor of the MBA, but I really want a bigger screen. But coming form a 2011 MBP 13", I think anything is better, haha.

I wish Apple could have a cheaper version of the Macbook Pro 16"...

Sorry, I wasn't clear in my first post!!! My 2015 rMBP logic board died in December, so my 2020 MBA is my current machine.

 

[aajeevlin]

Sorry, I wasn't clear in my first post!!! My 2015 rMBP logic board died in December, so my 2020 MBA is my current machine.

Got it, so what specs on the 16" are you thinking?

 

[FCB1818]

Base, or upping graphics to the 5500.

512 is enough storage for me (currently using 256g on machine and 1tb external for Time Machine backups only) and I don't believe that upping the RAM would be totally necessary and 16g would be future-proof enough. The i7 seems plenty powerful for my usage (and I am certainly probably buying more computer than I already need for my usage, but that's neither here nor there)

So, really my only spec question concerns graphics

 

[jerryk]

Base, or upping graphics to the 5500.

512 is enough storage for me (currently using 256g on machine and 1tb external for Time Machine backups only) and I don't believe that upping the RAM would be totally necessary and 16g would be future-proof enough. The i7 seems plenty powerful for my usage (and I am certainly probably buying more computer than I already need for my usage, but that's neither here nor there)

So, really my only spec question concerns graphics

You might want to checkout the YouTube videos from when the MBP 16 was first release. There were a number on gaming with the unit in various graphic card configs. I seem to remember Max Yuryev had some showing the perfomance improves with 5500 card. It looked like enough to me so I spent the extra $100 for the faster video card with more memory. I don't game, but do use Adobe CC which can benefit somewhat from faster graphics cards.

 

[recoil80]

I was in a market for a new laptop as my wife is working from home and we only had one. The new MBA was tempting, as I could buy one with 16GB or RAM and 512 for a good price.
Eventually, I went for the 16''. Sure the refurb is more expensive, but the CPU is way better and you have a bigger display and a dedicated GPU. Having 4 ports also helps, I like the ability to charge my Mac from the right size sometimes.

My advice is to get the base model refurb, 16GB of RAM is ok and 512 for the base storage should be enough. You can always store something on an external disk. The advantage of going for the base model if you can easily find a refurb and there are some good deals on new models as well. If you need to spec it up, chances are you need to do on Apple.com so higher prices and delivery can be delayed.