I have this been using this device for 7 days so thought I'd post my thoughts.
Model: Dual 8-core CUP; 16GB ram; 256gb SSD; touch ID keyboard with number pad; Magic Mouse; silver trim.
Uses: Home working, conference calls, MS Office, acoustic analysis of sound (human speech); photo editing (20MBP photos in JPEG and RAW)
Design/build: attractive looking device and the white/silver trim is very understated. A bit of light is let through at the edges of the bezel which is appealing although at times distracting. The screen is of a very high standard - photographs look stunning as does 4K video. The size is just right for me but some users may find it too small. I think for a home office it is the sweet spot.
The computer seems overly light - it moves around easily when trying to adjust the screen tilt or pull out a cable from one of the UBS ports. It should have been heavier/had a less slippy base. It is unfortunate that screen height cannot be adjusted - this seems like a major negative to me as the user is required to buy a stand. Port selection is poor/limited.
Performance: I have experienced no issues so far with processing large audio files or editing photos. I have not heard the fan once. Performance is excellent. I process large, high quality audio files and this computer performs as well as any computer I have used in my lab at work.
There is a quiet but noticeable electronic noise (buzzing) when the brightness of the screen is less than 75%. This disappears when brightness is increased or when an iPhone or iPad is plugged in. I plan to speak to Apple about this because if it's a fault I will return. If it's something I have to live with then it is disappointing.
Speakers are surprisingly good - for many users this will mean external speakers are not required. This is a real plus. Personally I use headphones most of the time and the headphone port is nice and accessible. The webcam and microphone seem to be of a very high quality.
Mouse/keyboard: the keyboard does not have extendable 'feet' meaning it is very flat to the desk. I have remedied this by sticking two adhesive rubber feet at the top but it is frustrating that I have to do this. Without doing it the typing experience is poor. Touch ID is a nice feature although on some occasions you are required to input your password anyway. I am still in two minds as to whether I'll keep the keyboard or not. The mouse is not worth mentioning. Compared to my Logitech mouse it is unusable.
Overall, I paid just over £1500 for this computer after an academic discount. I received a pair of Airpods which I have sold for £120. In terms of performance and factoring in the quality of the screen, I think this represents good value. I have not mentioned the operating system here but it is a pleasure to use. However, I am disappointed by some questionable design choices (the computer moves around too easily on a desk; the lack of adjustable height; the buzzing sound; the ports; the keyboard height; the mouse) which do leave me with a sens of frustration.
Model: Dual 8-core CUP; 16GB ram; 256gb SSD; touch ID keyboard with number pad; Magic Mouse; silver trim.
Uses: Home working, conference calls, MS Office, acoustic analysis of sound (human speech); photo editing (20MBP photos in JPEG and RAW)
Design/build: attractive looking device and the white/silver trim is very understated. A bit of light is let through at the edges of the bezel which is appealing although at times distracting. The screen is of a very high standard - photographs look stunning as does 4K video. The size is just right for me but some users may find it too small. I think for a home office it is the sweet spot.
The computer seems overly light - it moves around easily when trying to adjust the screen tilt or pull out a cable from one of the UBS ports. It should have been heavier/had a less slippy base. It is unfortunate that screen height cannot be adjusted - this seems like a major negative to me as the user is required to buy a stand. Port selection is poor/limited.
Performance: I have experienced no issues so far with processing large audio files or editing photos. I have not heard the fan once. Performance is excellent. I process large, high quality audio files and this computer performs as well as any computer I have used in my lab at work.
There is a quiet but noticeable electronic noise (buzzing) when the brightness of the screen is less than 75%. This disappears when brightness is increased or when an iPhone or iPad is plugged in. I plan to speak to Apple about this because if it's a fault I will return. If it's something I have to live with then it is disappointing.
Speakers are surprisingly good - for many users this will mean external speakers are not required. This is a real plus. Personally I use headphones most of the time and the headphone port is nice and accessible. The webcam and microphone seem to be of a very high quality.
Mouse/keyboard: the keyboard does not have extendable 'feet' meaning it is very flat to the desk. I have remedied this by sticking two adhesive rubber feet at the top but it is frustrating that I have to do this. Without doing it the typing experience is poor. Touch ID is a nice feature although on some occasions you are required to input your password anyway. I am still in two minds as to whether I'll keep the keyboard or not. The mouse is not worth mentioning. Compared to my Logitech mouse it is unusable.
Overall, I paid just over £1500 for this computer after an academic discount. I received a pair of Airpods which I have sold for £120. In terms of performance and factoring in the quality of the screen, I think this represents good value. I have not mentioned the operating system here but it is a pleasure to use. However, I am disappointed by some questionable design choices (the computer moves around too easily on a desk; the lack of adjustable height; the buzzing sound; the ports; the keyboard height; the mouse) which do leave me with a sens of frustration.
