I don't necessarily need a new MBP but I would like to get one at some point. I was hoping by September to have one, BUT now with Apple switching to ARM processors I just cannot decide what to do. I am somewhat of a basic user (email, internet, Spotify, Netflix, docs and some other minor tasks. I plan on keeping this machine for 3-5 years. And I am not interested in a MBA. So please help me decide what I should do. Thank you!!!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Buy 13" MBP now or wait (based on my need and usage)
- Thread starter Mojer
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I picked up a MBP last May 28th(10th Gen Intel, 16 GB rm, 1 TB SSD) for $2200 US. Wouldn't touch an "air"-poor cooling and generally underpowered. Make sure you get the MacBook Pro with the 10th Gen processor as you get 4 thunderbolt ports vs 2 with the 8th gen unit. And dont worry Intel Macs will be supported for years to come.
September is an interesting date, because one of the first rumored macs with Apple Silicon coming at the end of the year is a new 13-inch MBP. If you can wait until then, it might be good to see it before making a choice.
If you cannot wait, I recommend the base model 13-inch MBP. However, they say in that article I linked that Apple will discontinue the current Intel 13-inch MBP when the new 13-inch MBP comes out. By the way, I think you are right to exclude the MBA due to its performance and cooling.
"I don't necessarily need a new MBP...And I am not interested in a MBA"?!
-> Go and get a PC instead.
-> Go and get a PC instead.
Yeah I already have a PC. I’ve always wanted a MBP (almost everything else I have is Apple) and finally have the funds
The MBA looks like the right machine for your use case. I would not buy with a longer time horizon than three years with an anounced platform shift.
If you already have a PC use that and wait.
Yes, i saw that. But based on the use you have actually described the MBA looks like the right option.
You have not described what you mean with photo editing. What software, size of image, type of images (raw), size of catalog. Is this hobby or professional. When do you need this capability.
If you cannot describe the use case that is driving your choice you cannot expect good advice.
You have not described what you mean with photo editing. What software, size of image, type of images (raw), size of catalog. Is this hobby or professional. When do you need this capability.
If you cannot describe the use case that is driving your choice you cannot expect good advice.
Based on everything you've mentioned so far, even with some photo editing, the MBA is a good choice for you. But if your heart is set on an MBP for whatever reason, you'll likely overspend. Not everyone has budget limitations and maybe that's true for you as well. If that's the case, the base MBP 13" sounds like a good fit. There are also 16" MBPs in the refurb store. I would recommend waiting to see what gets announced in the fall too.
Last edited:
It sounds like you really want the 13" MBP. I hear you on the MBA. My use case is similar to yours with some occasional video editing and Parallels sessions. I recently picked up a 10th gen 13" MBP, and it obviously handles everything I need. Apple has stated they plan to support Intel machines for the next several years so that should work fine with your timeline.
As a 2020 MBP 13 10th gen loaded machine owner, who's now past his 14 day return period, I regret my purchase
If you already have a serviceable machine I would just wait. We'll know in about 6 months how good the ARMacs really are which will help you make up your mind. You'll also likely find even better deals on Intel Macs as the sales will just keep getting better and better as they're being phased out if an Intel mac is still what you want.
Of course there's a saying "You can always keep waiting for the next hardware refresh and you'll never buy anything"
In this case it's worth it as it's not just another faster Intel CPU, it's a complete platform change so it's much more reason to hold out if you can.
Would definitively 10th Intel MacBook Pro too.
But if you can wait, an ARM MBP would assure you longer support.
- 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory
- 512GB SSD storage
But if you can wait, an ARM MBP would assure you longer support.
Your comments are interesting. I have the same config as you and my last day to return is today. I've been on the fence a little, but I don't plan to return mine. However, I do change out equipment fairly regularly so I doubt I'll still have this machine by the time the 13"/16" MBPs roll out with Apple CPUs.
The thing is I really didn't NEED this MBP as I was using my 2013 MBP 13 and 2016 MB 12 instead of this new one. I could've chugged along with these for another 2 years and used the MBP 16 when I needed more power. I was just really burned by the almost 75% drop in resale value on my then 2 year old G4 Powerbook with the last transition.
I am not sure if you saw my comment above or not. If you did, I apologize. However, since today is your last day for return and you talked about replacing it before a new 13"/16" MBP comes out, I wanted to point out this line in the article I linked.
"Starting in Q4 2020 / Q1 2021, Apple will begin its ARM transition with the release of the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro running on Apple silicon, according to Kuo."
He goes on to say that Apple will discontinue the Intel 13.3-inch MacBook Pro when the new ARM-based model is introduced. Again, if you already knew this, I am sorry, but I just wanted to make sure.
Yeah, sounds like we have some similar characteristics
I don't exactly buy computers/tech due to a pressing need. I like shiny new things. I had a PBG4 back in the day, but I don't recall the drop in resale. I'm sure I suffered as well. Good thing I have selective amnesia. One thing I have noticed over the past couple of years is the willingness of Apple to allow third parties to offer fairly significant discounts on new hardware. Discounts have always been there, but last year Microcenter had $1K off the newly released iMac Pros. That is just unheard of. The byproduct is that Apple products don't have the crazy resale value they once had. Don't get me wrong resale of Apple products is still higher than other companies, but not like the 10-15 years ago.[automerge]1593186870[/automerge]
Thanks, I have been following this so I am aware of the current rumors. I'm one of those guys that lives in the present. I need something now and I am fortunate to be able to switch to new toys when they come out. I'll keep my 13" for a while until something else catches my eye. I am really curious how this all plays out in the end. I was around for the last switch, and it was a really good experience for me.
Last edited:
If you can wait, why not wait.
Intel MBPs are going away soon with a 2 year max timeline. Apple says by the end of the year they are bringing out Apple Silicon based systems. If you can wait until the end of the year or even better this time next year the MacBook landscape will have change quite a bit. Also, anything you buy now is going to take a hit in depreciation.
Intel MBPs are going away soon with a 2 year max timeline. Apple says by the end of the year they are bringing out Apple Silicon based systems. If you can wait until the end of the year or even better this time next year the MacBook landscape will have change quite a bit. Also, anything you buy now is going to take a hit in depreciation.
When Apple confirmed the switch to ARM processors I (being quite old) instantly thought of the Osborne effect, and certainly Apple's overlords will have known they would risk killing Mac sales with their blatant planned obsolescence strategy. But we cannot hope to penetrate their fiendishly clever thinking, we can only know this; shiny new toy makes things better - hey, it's always worked for me. You want a new Mac, buy a new Mac. You'll be pleased with it, I know you will.
Edit: Removed some mysterious automerge stuff.
You could go with a 2012 MacBook Pro. It works fine for basic stuff, plus you can get it on Catalina.
I mean my every day MacBook is an early 2008 MacBook Poly White, but it can’t do much..
You don’t need a brand new MacBook that you probably will spend way too much on (LIKE 1000-2000 dollars!), and you can get a used or refurbished 2012 for less than $450.
If you want a newer fast one, The late 2015/2016 are the slim ones, and will also work for what you need..
If you’re not gonna use it for much, you don’t really need a Mac with an ARM or T2 chip.