Base 15" with 256 or 13" with 512?

[Jayjew]

Annndddd. I returned it. God dang it, I just can't justify my purchase of 2,400$ (15"). Im brand new to logic and its a total side hobby. Ive still got my 2015 13". I just feel in need of something a bit nicer because this one is off of craigslist.

God - I need to see my therapist. Id love to get my foot ran over or something because I'm so stressed I can't even cry...

 

[Acronyc]

I have. I bought a 2016 13" 512 SSD, thinking I would save some money and have room with that SSD to grow. I returned it after a week. I just felt like I was skimping. Like I wasn't using a machine that could be my main. I have the base 2017 15" configuration now, and although I'll have to get creative with my storage management I'm confident I made the right choice.

There is of course a need for the 13", to fill out the price points of the range. If the smaller size is the primary concern for someone, that need is addressed. It's called the MacBook.

Good for you that you are confident with your choice. I'm also confident with mine. I tried the MacBook before I went to the 2016 13" MBP. It was great but I felt as you did with the 13" - the MacBook just wasn't powerful enough to be my main computer. The new 13" MBP was the perfect combination for me of portability and power.

I disagree with your argument that the 13" is there only because of price. Some people just like a smaller computer but need something more powerful than the MacBook but don't need the power of a 15".

 

[Anonymous Freak]

Hopefully the CPU separation will become moot in a few months when Intel releases lower-power quad-core mobile CPUs. But for now, the 13" is basically a second-class citizen, with no discrete GPU, and only dual core. If you need the performance, 15" is your only real option at present.

I went with a used few-year-old 15" model over a newer 13" model.

 

[Jamalogo10]

To you maybe. The new MacBook Pro is so svelte I can't see it making a difference to me, or a majority of people that can afford it.

They feel like completely different machines. I use mine on my lap regularly and the extra space on each side of the trackpad where I rest my palms is way too large; whereas the 13 feels perfect in size and real estate for what it is.
A highly portable machine. I'm a 6 ft male with medium-big hands. Food for thought if you lay down or rest it on your stomach/lap. It's too wide, even for me.

People talk about the 13 as if its a joke. It's more computer than than 90% of their clientele need. And even then, the 13 will still function extremely well if you load it up with 256-512 SSD and 16gb of ram.

 

[green86]

Good for you that you are confident with your choice. I'm also confident with mine. I tried the MacBook before I went to the 2016 13" MBP. It was great but I felt as you did with the 13" - the MacBook just wasn't powerful enough to be my main computer. The new 13" MBP was the perfect combination for me of portability and power.

I disagree with your argument that the 13" is there only because of price. Some people just like a smaller computer but need something more powerful than the MacBook but don't need the power of a 15".

There isn't a huge difference in performance between the 13" and the 12" anymore. To me, its about more then power, its about screen real estate. The extra space is a boon if your serious about multitasking.

Your free to disagree with me, and thanks so much for letting me know lol.
[doublepost=1504788907][/doublepost]

They feel like completely different machines. I use mine on my lap regularly and the extra space on each side of the trackpad where I rest my palms is way too large; whereas the 13 feels perfect in size and real estate for what it is.
A highly portable machine. I'm a 6 ft male with medium-big hands. Food for thought if you lay down or rest it on your stomach/lap. It's too wide, even for me.

People talk about the 13 as if its a joke. It's more computer than than 90% of their clientele need. And even then, the 13 will still function extremely well if you load it up with 256-512 SSD and 16gb of ram.

I mean, it really has nothing to do with your size. Big and small people a like like the 15" 😀 And I agree, they are completely different machines... but we are talking about less then two inches. The 15" is 13.75 inches wide, and the 13" is 12 inches wide. If it makes that big of a difference to you I'd say go with the 12" MacBook.

Since we are going to talk about our feelings, I do feel like the 13" is a joke. It's a fine machine, but its just skimpy. I feel like those that "love" the 13" just can't afford the 15" or don't want to spend that much on a computer, and they are just trying to make themselves feel better. And that is fine. Even if you discount the the fact the 15" has a quad core i7, 16 GB of standard memory, a GPU that is insanely more powerful then what the 13" offers, your still left with one huge, glaring difference: the screen. And what a huge difference it is.

 

[Acronyc]

There isn't a huge difference in performance between the 13" and the 12" anymore. To me, its about more then power, its about screen real estate. The extra space is a boon if your serious about multitasking.

Your free to disagree with me, and thanks so much for letting me know lol.
[doublepost=1504788907][/doublepost]

I mean, it really has nothing to do with your size. Big and small people a like like the 15" 😀 And I agree, they are completely different machines... but we are talking about less then two inches. The 15" is 13.75 inches wide, and the 13" is 12 inches wide. If it makes that big of a difference to you I'd say go with the 12" MacBook.

Since we are going to talk about our feelings, I do feel like the 13" is a joke. It's a fine machine, but its just skimpy. I feel like those that "love" the 13" just can't afford the 15" or don't want to spend that much on a computer, and they are just trying to make themselves feel better. And that is fine. Even if you discount the the fact the 15" has a quad core i7, 16 GB of standard memory, a GPU that is insanely more powerful then what the 13" offers, your still left with one huge, glaring difference: the screen. And what a huge difference it is.

You're free to share your feelings, so thanks so much for sharing lol.

Seriously, I am sure there are many people like me who can afford a 15" but prefer a 13". I am not trying to "make myself feel better" and I'm sure many others are not either. Price is not the only reason people buy the 13". I can easily afford the 15". I just (1) don't need the power, (2) like the smaller size, and (3) want something more powerful than the MacBook. Price has nothing to do with it.

By the way, the base 13" MacBook Pro is about 21% faster in single core and 37% faster in multi core than the base MacBook (source). Plus the base 13" has a much faster GPU. I would call this a significant performance increase.

 

[Abaganov]

I also have no problem spending the extra cash to buy the 15" but I easily prefer the 13" form factor , feel , look and portability over the 15".
Fact is that many users don't need that extra power the 15" gives and regarding the screen real estate , it doesn't matter much as when I am doing actual work I am always hooking up my macbook to an external monitor in any case.

 

[Jayjew]

To put this in perspective, it's my only computer that I'll be using logic, downloading text books on, and saving songs to. (My music I make) the music from iTunes stays on my phones. I'll also be getting the 256 iPhone 8. So I could probably store some things on there.

Still - 512 or 256.
Like a SSD drives a thing? Thumb sticks? I've seen a few on amazon that are 1TB and lightning 3.

I'm really thinking of just a maxed out 13"

I'm on the poorer side of the spectrum. I need all the advice I can get.

 

[Abaganov]

To put this in perspective, it's my only computer that I'll be using logic, downloading text books on, and saving songs to. (My music I make) the music from iTunes stays on my phones. I'll also be getting the 256 iPhone 8. So I could probably store some things on there.

Still - 512 or 256.
Like a SSD drives a thing? Thumb sticks? I've seen a few on amazon that are 1TB and lightning 3.

I'm really thinking of just a maxed out 13"

I'm on the poorer side of the spectrum. I need all the advice I can get.

512 is the sweet spot in my opinion as the 256 can fill up pretty quickly

 

[Sully]

deleted

 

[Jamalogo10]

You're free to share your feelings, so thanks so much for sharing lol.

Seriously, I am sure there are many people like me who can afford a 15" but prefer a 13". I am not trying to "make myself feel better" and I'm sure many others are not either. Price is not the only reason people buy the 13". I can easily afford the 15". I just (1) don't need the power, (2) like the smaller size, and (3) want something more powerful than the MacBook. Price has nothing to do with it.

By the way, the base 13" MacBook Pro is about 21% faster in single core and 37% faster in multi core than the base MacBook (source). Plus the base 13" has a much faster GPU. I would call this a significant performance increase.

PREEEEACH...
I came from a 15in MBP. Do millionaires still by BMWs, Toyotas, and trucks? Just because you can afford to buy the more expensive option doesn't mean it makes more sense. I have a $2100 2017 13in MBP. The size and form factor better met my needs.
And to the guy claiming the difference in size between the 13 and 15 is negligible has CLEARLY never even touched the newer machines.

Yeaaah...... not much of a difference at all.....

 

[richinaus]

PREEEEACH...
I came from a 15in MBP. Do millionaires still by BMWs, Toyotas, and trucks? Just because you can afford to buy the more expensive option doesn't mean it makes more sense. I have a $2100 2017 13in MBP. The size and form factor better met my needs.
And to the guy claiming the difference in size between the 13 and 15 is negligible has CLEARLY never even touched the newer machines.
View attachment 716787
Yeaaah...... not much of a difference at all.....

I agree with all these comments that there is a large difference between the 15 and 13". I could afford the top end 15" but just got the base TB 13" as that is all I needed and got an iMac for the heavy stuff. The 13" is perfect for laptop needs and the 15" feels too big to me on a lap [which is what I wanted a laptop for mainly] and actually overkill for its use.

 

[Adamantoise]

There isn't a huge difference in performance between the 13" and the 12" anymore. To me, its about more then power, its about screen real estate. The extra space is a boon if your serious about multitasking.

Your free to disagree with me, and thanks so much for letting me know lol.
[doublepost=1504788907][/doublepost]

I mean, it really has nothing to do with your size. Big and small people a like like the 15" 😀 And I agree, they are completely different machines... but we are talking about less then two inches. The 15" is 13.75 inches wide, and the 13" is 12 inches wide. If it makes that big of a difference to you I'd say go with the 12" MacBook.

Since we are going to talk about our feelings, I do feel like the 13" is a joke. It's a fine machine, but its just skimpy. I feel like those that "love" the 13" just can't afford the 15" or don't want to spend that much on a computer, and they are just trying to make themselves feel better. And that is fine. Even if you discount the the fact the 15" has a quad core i7, 16 GB of standard memory, a GPU that is insanely more powerful then what the 13" offers, your still left with one huge, glaring difference: the screen. And what a huge difference it is.

Man, I don't frequent these forums as often as I used to but this is by far the most stupid post I've seen in recent memory.

Just because you know the parts of a computer and what they do doesn't make you a power user. Just because you know the difference between a core and a thread or what TDP means doesn't mean you're a power user, it just means you're well read on computers.

Half of us that buy 15" machines don't even need them, the 13" is more than capable for almost any modern day workload.

Furthermore, I would have thought this would go without saying but ... Just because someone can afford something doesn't mean they want it. Your conclusion that people who opt for a 13" do so simply because they cannot afford a 15" doesn't even make sense the Touchbar variants of the machines are like $400 apart?

I mean, if people really wanted a 15" they would spring for it as they're already dropping $1800, what's another $400.

When I get around to buying a new MBP, I will be going for a 13" one. It's more portable, and when I'm at home it's hooked up to a monitor anyways. I suspect there are many people like me, that see value in smaller computers and aren't on food stamps.

 

[richinaus]

Man, I don't frequent these forums as often as I used to but this is by far the most stupid post I've seen in recent memory.

Just because you know the parts of a computer and what they do doesn't make you a power user. Just because you know the difference between a core and a thread or what TDP means doesn't mean you're a power user, it just means you're well read on computers.

Half of us that buy 15" machines don't even need them, the 13" is more than capable for almost any modern day workload.

Furthermore, I would have thought this would go without saying but ... Just because someone can afford something doesn't mean they want it. Your conclusion that people who opt for a 13" do so simply because they cannot afford a 15" doesn't even make sense the Touchbar variants of the machines are like $400 apart?

I mean, if people really wanted a 15" they would spring for it as they're already dropping $1800, what's another $400.

When I get around to buying a new MBP, I will be going for a 13" one. It's more portable, and when I'm at home it's hooked up to a monitor anyways. I suspect there are many people like me, that see value in smaller computers and aren't on food stamps.

This is great. I was going to get a little rude in a response but was more polite. Your last paragraph says all that needs to be said on the matter. You buy for your needs, pretty simple stuff!

 

[HiRez]

Sorry but that's just a baseless assertion to make. Not enough for who?

It's not really baseless because the poster did say "I have 256 right now and I'm constantly offloading video files which is a pain". So he's already acknowledged that 256 is problematic for his use case.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

It's not really baseless because the poster did say "I have 256 right now and I'm constantly offloading video files which is a pain". So he's already acknowledged that 256 is problematic for his use case.

That's not the baseless assertion. This is - 'If this is your only computer, prepare to constantly use external drives etc'.

It's all relative.

 

[Nik]

Easy formula: Take current usage and multiply it by 2.

 

[green86]

Man, I don't frequent these forums as often as I used to but this is by far the most stupid post I've seen in recent memory.

Just because you know the parts of a computer and what they do doesn't make you a power user. Just because you know the difference between a core and a thread or what TDP means doesn't mean you're a power user, it just means you're well read on computers.

Half of us that buy 15" machines don't even need them, the 13" is more than capable for almost any modern day workload.

Furthermore, I would have thought this would go without saying but ... Just because someone can afford something doesn't mean they want it. Your conclusion that people who opt for a 13" do so simply because they cannot afford a 15" doesn't even make sense the Touchbar variants of the machines are like $400 apart?

I mean, if people really wanted a 15" they would spring for it as they're already dropping $1800, what's another $400.

When I get around to buying a new MBP, I will be going for a 13" one. It's more portable, and when I'm at home it's hooked up to a monitor anyways. I suspect there are many people like me, that see value in smaller computers and aren't on food stamps.

I'm not sure why you feel like it's important to call me out as not a power user. Maybe your upset for calling you out in other threads. I studied IT, I work in IT and I regularly push my machines to the limit. Whatever user category you want to put me in, go for it.

I'm also curious about what you mean about half of us who buy 15" MacBook pros don't need them. Surely your talking about the extra power, but what about screen size? Are you saying there is no use for 40% more screen? Rubbish.

This was never solely affording a 15" MacBook. If you look at my previous post, I clearly state that either people can't afford them or don't wish to spend that much on a computer. The point your trying to make to me I've already conceded...

So cool story bro.

 

[Acronyc]

This was never solely affording a 15" MacBook. If you look at my previous post, I clearly state that either people can't afford them or don't wish to spend that much on a computer. The point your trying to make to me I've already conceded...

I think it's this phrase that others, including myself, disagree with. The reasons you mentioned are not the only reasons someone would by a 13" MBP instead of a 15" MBP. There are other reasons besides the cost of the machine, which many in this thread already discussed.

 

[green86]

I think it's this phrase that others, including myself, disagree with. The reasons you mentioned are not the only reasons someone would by a 13" MBP instead of a 15" MBP. There are other reasons besides the cost of the machine, which many in this thread already discussed.

I mean, what other reason? That it is smaller? Have you used the 15" on a daily basis? Not a retina, not a unibody, but a Touch Bar? You posit that the 13" is a better machine then the 15". And the 15 is superior in every way.

 

[Acronyc]

I mean, what other reason? That it is smaller? Have you used the 15" on a daily basis? Not a retina, not a unibody, but a Touch Bar? You posit that the 13" is a better machine then the 15". And the 15 is superior in every way.

Other reasons? The 13" is smaller, lighter, has a more manageable footprint, is more comfortable for me to work with on my lap, and yet is powerful enough to be my main machine. These are my primary reasons, and are the same or similar to reasons others posted in this thread.

I haven't used a TB 15" MBP on a daily basis but I don't need to do so to know it is not the size and form factor I want. I've seen/held/used them both in person before I made my decision and I prefer the 13". I never said it is a better machine for everyone. In fact, in post #20 I said the 15" is definitely more powerful than the 13". The 13" is the best computer for me and one I prefer right now over the 15".

You seem to believe that no matter what the only valid reason for someone purchasing a 13" instead of a 15" is because its cheaper. Yet this was never a deciding factor in my purchase nor was it a factor for others in this thread. Different people value different things in a laptop, regardless of how much it costs.

 

[green86]

Other reasons? The 13" is smaller, lighter, has a more manageable footprint, is more comfortable for me to work with on my lap, and yet is powerful enough to be my main machine. These are my primary reasons, and are the same or similar to reasons others posted in this thread.

I haven't used a TB 15" MBP on a daily basis but I don't need to do so to know it is not the size and form factor I want. I've seen/held/used them both in person before I made my decision and I prefer the 13". I never said it is a better machine for everyone. In fact, in post #20 I said the 15" is definitely more powerful than the 13". The 13" is the best computer for me and one I prefer right now over the 15".

You seem to believe that no matter what the only valid reason for someone purchasing a 13" instead of a 15" is because its cheaper. Yet this was never a deciding factor in my purchase nor was it a factor for others in this thread. Different people value different things in a laptop, regardless of how much it costs.

Got it. You just sound like your angrily ranting.

Your whole first paragraph can be summed as "It is smaller." Your welcome.

And you refuse to give the 15" a chance. So what else is there to say? Yes, you do have to use it to know.

 

[Appurushido]

People get what they want because it fits their needs, regardless that it might be too expensive for them or not. I guess what most people are getting at (in this thread) is about a certain part of a comment made here:

"Since we are going to talk about our feelings, I do feel like the 13" is a joke. It's a fine machine, but its just skimpy. I feel like those that "love" the 13" just can't afford"

Granted it's an individual's opinion, it can come out a crass to certain people. Maybe that person is talking about it on a power user side. But the people that are commenting probably don't need that much power, and it has nothing to do with the cost or affordability.

I work in the business field. I go to a lot of board room meetings, travel on planes a lot, especially long international flights, and use my computer for mostly MS office (word, ppt, excel)+Google Docs. I don't need the power or size of the 15" The form factor on the 15" is really quite large compared to the 13". Even if by an inch and 3/4ths the size percentage is that much larger. I generally fly business class and the rare first class, even then the 15" is daunting on a plane. Also, if you spend a lot of time in a cafe or similar places, with the smaller round tables, 15" is like monster compared to the 13"

An example would be TV screen sizes of a 42" tv vs 50". You are looking at a screen difference of about 41%. That is a lot of real estate for an added 8", barely a qtr of the 50" and you get an increase of almost 50% in screen size. Post #36 says it all, with the side by side image of the 15" v 13". Yeah it's only less than a 2" wide difference, but you can totally see how much more massive the 15" is, regardless of power.

The main point I'm trying to get at is, people get things for what they need, not because they are cheap, can't afford it, or even spend more than what they need. As mentioned earlier, the comment coming from a power hungry IT user could be directed an another IT/power user.

 

[Acronyc]

Got it. You just sound like your angrily ranting.

Your whole first paragraph can be summed as "It is smaller." Your welcome.

And you refuse to give the 15" a chance. So what else is there to say? Yes, you do have to use it to know.

Well, I’m not angry or ranting and apologies if it came off as that way.

I listed the reasons I prefer the 13”, which are true for others. I don’t have to use the 15” because I don’t want a computer that size right now.

But anyway, you seem to believe that people don’t buy different machines for different reasons and the only reason one would buy a 13” instead of a 15” is because the 13” is cheaper. Since you choose to ignore evidence that this is not true, I don’t think there’s anything else to discuss.

 

[green86]

People get what they want because it fits their needs, regardless that it might be too expensive for them or not. I guess what most people are getting at (in this thread) is about a certain part of a comment made here:

"Since we are going to talk about our feelings, I do feel like the 13" is a joke. It's a fine machine, but its just skimpy. I feel like those that "love" the 13" just can't afford"

Granted it's an individual's opinion, it can come out a crass to certain people. Maybe that person is talking about it on a power user side. But the people that are commenting probably don't need that much power, and it has nothing to do with the cost or affordability.

I work in the business field. I go to a lot of board room meetings, travel on planes a lot, especially long international flights, and use my computer for mostly MS office (word, ppt, excel)+Google Docs. I don't need the power or size of the 15" The form factor on the 15" is really quite large compared to the 13". Even if by an inch and 3/4ths the size percentage is that much larger. I generally fly business class and the rare first class, even then the 15" is daunting on a plane. Also, if you spend a lot of time in a cafe or similar places, with the smaller round tables, 15" is like monster compared to the 13"

An example would be TV screen sizes of a 42" tv vs 50". You are looking at a screen difference of about 41%. That is a lot of real estate for an added 8", barely a qtr of the 50" and you get an increase of almost 50% in screen size. Post #36 says it all, with the side by side image of the 15" v 13". Yeah it's only less than a 2" wide difference, but you can totally see how much more massive the 15" is, regardless of power.

The main point I'm trying to get at is, people get things for what they need, not because they are cheap, can't afford it, or even spend more than what they need. As mentioned earlier, the comment coming from a power hungry IT user could be directed an another IT/power user.

Your making my point... some people don't want to spend that much money on a computer. Which is fine. I've already pointed that out.

I also work in the business field, in IT. I'm glad the 13" is working for you. Like I said, it is a fine machine. It is just that the NEW MacBook Pro 15" is so svelte, that I can't imagine anyone not getting one for the sake of portability. I just plainly don't believe that almost everyone in this thread wouldn't have chosen a 15" if both a 13" and a 15" were sitting on a table, and I said that both free but you could only choose one. What I do believe is I struck a nerve, and most people in this thread have taken offense to what I said, and feel the need to defend their purchase.

And the issue I have is with these same people giving bad buying advice.