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Apple Announces 13-Inch MacBook Pro With M2 Chip Available to Order Worldwide Starting June 17
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I know a few people who use these in clamshell mode 80% of the time and want the fan for performance so they make sense for those users who don't need a better camera, better screen, etc..
I should have sprinkled a little extra sarcasm on to my post. I get that it's the older design and probably assembled from parts they had on the shelf, but I bet some impatient folks will order this just to get their hands on a M2. It might also be that this chassis better showcases the M2's performance because it is actively cooled with a fan.
My assumption was that if they shipped this at the same time as the M2 Air, then it would be lost in the shuffle with much less interest and lower sales. So somewhat cynically, I would say that Apple know what they were doing when they scheduled these M2 releases. Oh, and I'll bet that M2 Air ships after the return window for M2 Pro has closed.
The one design that's not affected by supply chain issues, perhaps because Apple has a ton of the components already.
No, as in the embargo for when the review gets released. I know it's probably already in the hands of all the big reviewers.
MagSafe port needs a redesigned exterior. naming removal isn’t really necessary. Their existing 1080P camera module might not fit the current chassis. So it is the quickest way to introduce another M2 device for people who still care about Touch Bar.
It's the one people are least likely to want, therefore they may not have to ship any? 🤔
If this is mostly a "corporate" machine, they might want it to look just like the previous model so they can easily swap them in. And I would not be surprised if these machines are connected to USB-C or Thunderbolt docks that provide power to the laptop and then everything is connected to the dock.
So in such a configuration, MagSafe would be superfluous. It would also require Apple to redesign the case to accommodate it and I think Apple is very much trying to hit a production price point so they can hit an MSRP price point. So re-using literally everything but the internal systemboard allows them to do that.
Given that these machines are using older casings and components outside of the processing and supporting circuits, they likely are using up a stockpile. That would be the opposite of wasting resources, rather getting the best value from them.
the touchbar alone is worth €200 (at least that was the price increase because of it back in the day)
Also thinking this and want to make sure I'm not missing something. Other than the fact that I can buy this soon and won't be able to buy the Air for a month or so, is there any reason to prefer the 13" M2 Pro? The Air has a bigger screen, slimmer form factor and weight. Any advantages to the Pro other than quicker availability?
This is a device for those who need it, and maybe more for corporate clients. Imagine needing something that is inexpensive yet can handle some beefier tasks than email and web browsing. That fan might come in mighty handily. I also imagine these might be popular with amateur/prosumer video editors. It’s not overly expensive but can handle large renders with few problems.
The only possible benefit is the fan, but unless you're going to be absolutely hammering the M2 Air, you won't need it. And if you are, this machine configured for 16/512 is only $300 off the 14" Pro, which is a vastly better machine.
Someone on a podcast i listen to mentioned that they think the only reason this exists is to offer a direct comparison between the M1 and M2, and while I don't believe that, it may actually end up being its only real use.
If you want performance, you'll want at least 16GB RAM.
But this machine configured with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is almost the price of the 14" base model which has 6 CPU high-performance cores (vs only 4 on this machine), better and bigger display with 120Hz, more ports, better quality speakers, Mag Safe etc.
"wHaT's ThE pOiNt oF tHe M2 13 PrO?"
"wHy wOuLd ANYONE bUY tHe Pro oVeR ThE AiR?????"
I think I've read comments like these about 278 times now. Love it every time.
Don't get me wrong, I also think the Air is the better deal. But that's for me. Everyone is different and it's really not exactly hard to understand why someone may prefer the Pro.
Could be as simple as them preferring the old design with no notch and a touch bar to go along with it. Could be the significantly better performance given the Pro has two more GPU cores and a fan.
Is it really that hard to understand that other people aren't you?!
"wHy wOuLd ANYONE bUY tHe Pro oVeR ThE AiR?????"
I think I've read comments like these about 278 times now. Love it every time.
Don't get me wrong, I also think the Air is the better deal. But that's for me. Everyone is different and it's really not exactly hard to understand why someone may prefer the Pro.
Could be as simple as them preferring the old design with no notch and a touch bar to go along with it. Could be the significantly better performance given the Pro has two more GPU cores and a fan.
Is it really that hard to understand that other people aren't you?!
It’s the same with the M2 Air but there is the option to save $100 by opting for the 8-core GPU, plus the weight difference will be more noticeable (and you get MagSafe).
Plus (even though I know many will balk), you do get 10-cores as opposed to the 8-cores in the Air with the entry level model. I don't believe this reason alone is enough to move the needle for most people. However, I would add that to the things you mentioned as valid reasons to go Pro vs Air.
They likely have shortages of the other components of the Air, since it’s an all-new design. Better to get products to the market quicker. Some people might conclude that the M2 Pro that’s readily available is better than the Air that is delayed.
Yes—in the sense that they have to make them from scratch whereas they already have the 13” in production. I don’t think there’s anything more to it than that.
Sturdier. Has a fan. Touch Bar can be Nice. No notch. Somewhat better speaker system compared to Air. Tried and true design with much better performed component inside.