Best/bang for the buck 13" MacBook Pro?

[memo90061]

Hi!
I just started working from my classroom, so I'm teaching my kids from my class. The school gave me a MacBook Air, but it seems to get freeze sometimes with zoom, etc. I bought the 16 inch i9 from Best Buy, but I think it's too much of a computer for what I need. I also don't want to pay 2600 for it.

What's the best to buy if I were looking into the 13 inch? One from 2018? What about the 15 inch?

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Strange that you have a freezing effect as I have seen some MBAs back until the 2014 edition getting along with Zoom easily... but experiences vary. (Did you get a 2020 MBA?)

The main question is what computer you need/want.

• Zoom: How much do you care for customized backgrounds? These require a quad-core. All 2018s are quad-core at least.
• If you are looking for an older MBP: You be sure not to mind the butterfly keyboard on the 13" from 2016 to 2019?
• MBA has function keys, MBPs have Touch Bar. OK?

If you think the 16" is too much, the same might apply to the 15".

In general, the 2018 13" MBP should be ok. It has quad-core and four ports. Maybe you can get a refurbished one from Apple, with the option of AppleCare+ if you like this, and with the option to return it within 14 days.

 

[memo90061]

It froze during my class meeting! It's a 2018 MacBook Air.

I guess maybe I should rephrase my question. I don't having a powerful computer as long as it doesn't go over 1500 dollars. I would love to keep my current computer, but I think 2600 is too much for something that I will only use for e-teaching. I have an iMac Pro at home which is what I use for everything.

I did have one of those laptops, and I had problems with the keyboard. When did they change them for the 15 inch? I'll look into that MBP that you recommended. Thank you so much.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Hi!
I just started working from my classroom, so I'm teaching my kids from my class. The school gave me a MacBook Air, but it seems to get freeze sometimes with zoom, etc. I bought the 16 inch i9 from Best Buy, but I think it's too much of a computer for what I need. I also don't want to pay 2600 for it.

What's the best to buy if I were looking into the 13 inch? One from 2018? What about the 15 inch?

Don't get any 13" or 15" MacBook Pro from 2016 to 2019. If you're going to get a 15" from 2015, I'd strongly advise you check to make sure it either had its battery replaced from that battery recall or isn't eligible for it (and if it is, get that done ASAP). I have an Early 2015 13" (which is the last one before the 2016 generation) and I love it. I'd either get that (on eBay or from a reputable refurbisher like OWC) or get the 2020 Four-Port (10th Generation Intel based) 13" MacBook Pro, assuming you can't wait the two or so months for the first Apple Silicon version to come out and/or need Boot Camp or the ability to run x86 virtual machines. The 2020 Two-Port (8th Generation Intel based) 13" MacBook Pros aren't a bad bang for buck if you buy them from the Apple Certified Refurbished section of the Apple Online Store, but buying them brand new is sort of a poor value proposition (especially since there are configurations of both machines that have the same RAM and storage and cost the same as each other).

 

[ght56]

One major advantage with the 16 inch is that it's not even going to be bothered by Zoom, even if you are using backgrounds. One thing I really like about my 16 is how it barely gets warm sitting in my lap and the fans remain at idle even during extended videoconferencing while simultaneously using other applications. Obviously the MacBook Air (and most other laptops) will sound like you are next to a Space X launch with Zoom, and fan noise during videoconferencing can certainly get annoying. Heck, even my 15 inch got pretty hot and bothered when I did this.

If you are considering a 13 inch, the current 10th gen configuration is IMHO worth the money because this current generation of Pros eliminates a problematic keyboard, and the 10th gen versions have an extra fan over the base 8th gen models. So before your educator discount, you're looking at $1,800 and I don't think refurbs are yet available. IMHO, whatever money you save getting a 2018 13 inch will be instantly offset when your keyboard fails and you have to deal with that headache. If you get a 15 inch from 2016-2019, you are also likely dealing with the keyboard (and the voluntary replacement program will not last forever.)

Another option is a completely base model 16 inch if you like the form factor but want something less expensive--a refurb of these is about $2,000. In my personal opinion, for someone constantly using videoconferencing, there are a LOT of things about the 16 inch to really like that you won't get on other MBP models (CPU power, dedicated GPU, better cooling, better microphone, better speakers, big screen for split view, etc.)