Advice on buying a new MacBook Pro

[huanbrother]

Hi, I am planning to buy a new MacBook Pro for my graduate studies overseas.
I have been a hardcore gamer and a system builder in the past, so I pretty much understand the essence of purchasing a MacBook Pro is trading the performance for the battery life & portability.
However, old habits die hard, I am still struggling on specs.

Within my budget range, I have the following options.

1. MacBook Pro 13' (2017) , non-touch bar, 256G, 8G RAM, Iris Pro 640, USB-C x2
2. MacBook Pro 15' (2015) , 256G, 16G RAM, Iris Pro 5200, conventional ports.

Main Usage,
1. Microsoft Office
2. Database Software
3. Some coding in Java
4. HD Video playback

Would love to have some advice on which one to pick?

 

[leman]

I'd say the 13", more mobile, great battery, great display (which is important for reading/writing). Power-wise its more then capable for your described user case. The only possible constraint is the limited screen size, in case you are used to bigger displays. But that is easily fixed with an external one.

 

[HiRez]

Whatever you get...get the 16 GB RAM if you intend to keep it more than 2 years.

 

[huanbrother]

Whatever you get...get the 16 GB RAM if you intend to keep it more than 2 years.

Thanks for your reply.
I end up with a 2017 13' non-touch bar model, with 2.3G i5/16G RAM/256G SSD option which costs 100USD cheaper than apple store's price.
[doublepost=1497413663][/doublepost]

I'd say the 13", more mobile, great battery, great display (which is important for reading/writing). Power-wise its more then capable for your described user case. The only possible constraint is the limited screen size, in case you are used to bigger displays. But that is easily fixed with an external one.

Thanks,
Getting the 13 inch non touch model with 16G RAM upgrade.