Another decision...

[Videomanmac]

I have been looking at the 15" MacBook Pro with the dGPU for quite a while now. However, I have been thinking with macOS Sierra, would I be better off going with the non dGPU version and getting a file sharing service like Dropbox or iCloud Drive? The non dGPU comes with 256GB instead of 512GB, so storage space would be a concern for me.

 

[Cougarcat]

If you don't need the dGPU, you can order the integrated 15" with a 512 GB drive. Though the upgrade price is pretty horrendous. Really hope they increase the base storage with the next release.

 

[Hellhammer]

For what it's worth, you can add up to 256GB of extra storage with Transcend JetDrive, which is practically seamless. It's not as fast as the internal SSD, but for media files it's plenty fast and much cheaper than Apple's upgrades.

 

[maflynn]

would I be better off going with the non dGPU version

What tasks are you doing that have you questioning the need for the dGPU?

and getting a file sharing service like Dropbox or iCloud Drive?

At the moment, dropbox keeps your files on your computer(s) and the cloud, so that won't work if you're wanting to save space on your SSD. They announced a new feature that basically has a short cut on your drive that points to the cloud. That's not rolled out. iCloud is a more traditional cloud storage, where you can store data - depending on what you're looking to do, and how large your files are (and how slow your internet is), this may be a feasible solution

 

[Videomanmac]

What tasks are you doing that have you questioning the need for the dGPU?


At the moment, dropbox keeps your files on your computer(s) and the cloud, so that won't work if you're wanting to save space on your SSD. They announced a new feature that basically has a short cut on your drive that points to the cloud. That's not rolled out. iCloud is a more traditional cloud storage, where you can store data - depending on what you're looking to do, and how large your files are (and how slow your internet is), this may be a feasible solution

At my high school, we had the 15" Model with dGPU, and I was maxing it out at times as I do live streaming to the internet, and also the occasional iMovie. Whether if I will be doing those tasks in college, I am not sure, I will be for sure running Windows in a VM, as well as web development. I am a CyberSecurity Major.

 

[lympero]

As an owner of the infamous 2011 MBP, I recommended to stay away from any machine with dgpu from Apple.
I spent 1700€ for a machine which i'm afraid to use it with an external monitor and force it 24/7 to use the Intel graphics.

 

[grahamperrin]

… stay away from any machine with dgpu from Apple …

No problem here with a 17" early 2009 MacBookPro5,2.

… Transcend JetDrive, …

Forgive my ignorance, does that use an SDXC card slot? I ask because in 2015 I took advice and decided against that approach. YMMV.

 

[SoundsEclectic]

For what it's worth, you can add up to 256GB of extra storage with Transcend JetDrive, which is practically seamless. It's not as fast as the internal SSD, but for media files it's plenty fast and much cheaper than Apple's upgrades.

Can't we use 512 GB SDXC? Something like this

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876,92051677682,&Q=&A=details

 

[Hellhammer]

Can't we use 512 GB SDXC? Something like this

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1186714&gclid=CjwKEAjwy6O7BRDzm-Tdub6ZiSASJADPNzYrOdKB8Fz0WQKlU_eKxhY7tL1zg4IPAem71g7KUhVnDBoCEljw_wcB&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876,92051677682,&Q=&A=details

That'll work too, but it will stick out. The benefit of the JetDrive is that it practically integrates to the MBP as it has ben specifically designed for it.