Buyers Remorse

[J330E]

First post but a long time Mac user!

I've just ordered a 2020 MacBook Pro 13 (i5/16GB/256). I rushed into the purchase seeing the 0% finance option and trade in value for my 2017 model through a 3rd party. Now I am starting to have buyers remorse. I've got the following concerns:

1. Won't see a huge performance increase from my 2017 MacBook Pro (i5/8GB/256GB)
2. Am I going to struggle with only 2 Thunderbolt ports
3. Will my Dell WD15 dock allow me to use 2 displays. Currently it duplicates the extended display on both monitors so need to use an additional adaptor. If not supported, can anyone recommend a dock that supports 2 external displays using one Thunderbolt port?
4. Should I have bought the XPS 13 9300 with Core i7/16GB/512GB for £100

To give you an idea of my usage, I use the laptop for work. I do have a company issued notebook but it is appallingly bad so have managed to convince IT to give me a VDI log in so can access company apps and still use productivity apps on my MacBook.

Please help talk me out my buyers remorse, I am terrible for this!

 

[Audit13]

Don't feel terrible. It is natural to be a bit apprehensive but Apple has a good return policy.

 

[maflynn]

The machine was just announced, so its hard to discern what performance gains you'll see, but I suspect that it won't be huge in comparison to your 2017 model.

Is your 2017 MBP not living up to your needs? I'd say stick with that for the time being

 

[Alex W.]

I would just buy the four port straight up cash, or save and get it when you can.
Also the MBP 17' Keyboard is horrid, it can fail when you need it most.

Id just grab a 16" and be done with it tbh. Gotta pay the piper.

XPS 13" has tons of engineering flaws, I personally think you should get the new AMD 4800U Laptop

It comes out in 10 days.

 

[maflynn]

Id just grab a 16"

16" is too big for many users, and its clear that he's preferring the 13" form factor since he's looking to buy another and/or a Dell.

 

[J330E]

The machine was just announced, so its hard to discern what performance gains you'll see, but I suspect that it won't be huge in comparison to your 2017 model.

Is your 2017 MBP not living up to your needs? I'd say stick with that for the time being

It's got RAM 8GB and I've just checked my usage and 68.5mb free. Ultimately, it is more RAM that I need as the following apps are running 90% of the day

• Office, Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams
• Webex Teams, Webex Meetings
• Spotify
• Chrome
• Citrix VDI Receiver

I would just buy the four port straight up cash, or save and get it when you can.
Also the MBP 17' Keyboard is horrid, it can fail when you need it most.

Id just grab a 16" and be done with it tbh. Gotta pay the piper.

XPS 13" has tons of engineering flaws, I personally think you should get the new AMD 4800U Laptop

It comes out in 10 days.

16" is too large for what I need as I travel for work... Well not now due to Covid-19. The cash really isn't the issue, I could have bought it cash if I wanted to but 0% is 0%.

Don't feel terrible. It is natural to be a bit apprehensive but Apple has a good return policy.

That is the one positive. If I get it and I don't see any improvement/ doesn't fit with my workflow then I can send it back. I think the 16GB RAM will make a difference.

 

[Quackington]

Just return it if it’s not right. I personally wouldn’t recommend upgrading for a 2017 model, I’d rather try to get a few more years out of that model since it’s not even that old. Heck, I am still using a 2011 11” MBA, and that’s chugging. So a machine only a few years old can’t be that bad.

 

[maflynn]

It's got RAM 8GB and I've just checked my usage and 68.5mb free. Ultimately, it is more RAM that I need as the following apps are running 90% of the day

Free ram is wasted ram, when it comes to macOS. As long as your usage is not in the yellow or red, you're good.

 

[Queen6]

Likely wont see a much if any difference in performance. Should get you out of the uncertainty of premature keyboard failure with the 2017, although the 13" didn't seem as afflicted as the 15" MBP. Over all I'd be holding onto the 2017 as the KB is covered by Apple and the 2020 really offers little beyond more storage at the base price points.

Potentially out of turn, equally seems imprudent at this current time to enter into debt, unless cashflow is not an issue or secured. Unless Activity Monitor is pushing into the Red it's not an issue, if your usage doesn't require more than 8Gb of RAM you will likely not see any difference and if it did you'd know about it already...

Q-6

 

[unclefarkus]

I bought a MBA a few weeks back. Couldn't wait for the new 13" any longer and also didn't want to spend a ton on the 16" in case I did decide to sell the Air and get the new 13/14" machine...which has the form-factor I prefer. Well, MBA has been lovely for the most part, but today I tried to do a task that it just couldn't do. So given yesterday's updated 13" that was kind of "meh", I started looking into it and building one. But realized, it's likely not going to be THAT much better. Better for sure, but not THAT much better to where the task I couldn't do today runs like butter. So I realized a 16" is actually what I need. The size is bigger than my ideal, but I do have a 12.9" iPad Pro that does most of the things I love about a machine with that form-factor. So I now have a return initiated on my MBA, the machine I thought I was waiting for didn't come (and likely won't til next year), and a 16" MBP will ship to me in 5-6 business days.

Now I'm just trying to decide if I want that keyboard for my iPad lol.

Also worth noting that I have used and owned many machines over the past few years (many issued through work) such as XPS, Razer Blades, and Surface Books... gotta say... with my own money at stake, I still want a Mac even though the compromises are there... the other machines just have worse compromises (IMO).

I'm currently using a Razer Blade 15 with a 2080 through work and I love it as a machine that my work issued to me. But if I'd bought it, some of the weird things it does would bug me to no end.

 

[esphil]

I bought a MBA a few weeks back. Couldn't wait for the new 13" any longer and also didn't want to spend a ton on the 16" in case I did decide to sell the Air and get the new 13/14" machine...which has the form-factor I prefer. Well, MBA has been lovely for the most part, but today I tried to do a task that it just couldn't do. So given yesterday's updated 13" that was kind of "meh", I started looking into it and building one. But realized, it's likely not going to be THAT much better. Better for sure, but not THAT much better to where the task I couldn't do today runs like butter. So I realized a 16" is actually what I need. The size is bigger than my ideal, but I do have a 12.9" iPad Pro that does most of the things I love about a machine with that form-factor. So I now have a return initiated on my MBA, the machine I thought I was waiting for didn't come (and likely won't til next year), and a 16" MBP will ship to me in 5-6 business days.

Now I'm just trying to decide if I want that keyboard for my iPad lol.

Also worth noting that I have used and owned many machines over the past few years (many issued through work) such as XPS, Razer Blades, and Surface Books... gotta say... with my own money at stake, I still want a Mac even though the compromises are there... the other machines just have worse compromises (IMO).

I'm currently using a Razer Blade 15 with a 2080 through work and I love it as a machine that my work issued to me. But if I'd bought it, some of the weird things it does would bug me to no end.

I went thru the same as you. I got my Air and decided I couldn't push it enough and didn't like the screen size, I felt like something was lacking for me. Just got my base 16" this morning and I love it! I was able to get a brand new one for $2000 off eBay. Only cost me $500 more and feels like a much more powerful machine.

 

[Mattyman]

I bought a MBA a few weeks back. Couldn't wait for the new 13" any longer and also didn't want to spend a ton on the 16" in case I did decide to sell the Air and get the new 13/14" machine...which has the form-factor I prefer. Well, MBA has been lovely for the most part, but today I tried to do a task that it just couldn't do. So given yesterday's updated 13" that was kind of "meh", I started looking into it and building one. But realized, it's likely not going to be THAT much better. Better for sure, but not THAT much better to where the task I couldn't do today runs like butter. So I realized a 16" is actually what I need. The size is bigger than my ideal, but I do have a 12.9" iPad Pro that does most of the things I love about a machine with that form-factor. So I now have a return initiated on my MBA, the machine I thought I was waiting for didn't come (and likely won't til next year), and a 16" MBP will ship to me in 5-6 business days.

Now I'm just trying to decide if I want that keyboard for my iPad lol.

Also worth noting that I have used and owned many machines over the past few years (many issued through work) such as XPS, Razer Blades, and Surface Books... gotta say... with my own money at stake, I still want a Mac even though the compromises are there... the other machines just have worse compromises (IMO).

I'm currently using a Razer Blade 15 with a 2080 through work and I love it as a machine that my work issued to me. But if I'd bought it, some of the weird things it does would bug me to no end.

What couldn’t the air do?

 

[Madhatter32]

I would assume that just typing on the 2020 would make it worth whatever the price over the 2017.

 

[KPOM]

The machine was just announced, so its hard to discern what performance gains you'll see, but I suspect that it won't be huge in comparison to your 2017 model.

Is your 2017 MBP not living up to your needs? I'd say stick with that for the time being

Was the Pro still dual core in 2017?

 

[throAU]

The two thunderbolt port model is basically the same processor as your existing machine, however it has a new warranty and a keyboard that is far superior.

 

[dirteater666]

if its for work just get a 16" and stop screwing around with 13" toys

 

[J330E]

I am still deciding on the MacBook Pro and XPS13 so ordered an XPS13 for good measure. Justification is that I can't go to John Lewis or Curry's to have a look at the new XPS13. They should both arrive on Wednesday

For those who are concerned about whether it is prudent or not to enter into a finance agreement, I have available funds to clear the balance at any time but I would rather they remain in my savings account where they make a pittance in interest but still more than 0%

 

[Wando64]

I am still deciding on the MacBook Pro and XPS13

In all honesty I don't understand why you are comparing a MacOS machine with a Windows one.
If you can live with Windows just buy the XPS; it is probably cheaper and more powerful.

However, it will not run MacOS, and that is the breaking point for me.
Can't run Logic on a Win box, but even if I could it would take a lot for me to swap echo-system as I am way, way, too invested with Apple.

 

[J330E]

In all honesty I don't understand why you are comparing a MacOS machine with a Windows one.
If you can live with Windows just buy the XPS; it is probably cheaper and more powerful.

However, it will not run MacOS, and that is the breaking point for me.
Can't run Logic on a Win box, but even if I could it would take a lot for me to swap echo-system as I am way, way, too invested with Apple.

A very valid point. For me the form factor is the most important aspect. I access my work applications via Citrix so I can use a Windows or Mac OS.

MacOS, I prefer hands down - I find it extremely clean and simple but Microsoft apps on Mac aren't great.

I am borderline thinking about keeping the two systems and using the Mac for personal use and the XPS13 for work. I really don't know what to do!

 

[kb2755]

Will my Dell WD15 dock allow me to use 2 displays. Currently it duplicates the extended display on both monitors so need to use an additional adaptor. If not supported, can anyone recommend a dock that supports 2 external displays using one Thunderbolt port?

We use Dell D6000 docks at work (or when we used to go to work). As long as it’s on the latest driver, a single usb-c connection drove two monitors and the MacBook screen as a third, as well as all the other dock ports.

 

[sbrunner]

When you are asking, you prob do not feel a big difference. You would now if you are running into a limit. I upgraded from a 2014 to a 2019 model and could not feel much difference, unless I run a ton of VMs, which is where the additional cores and RAM made a real difference. I velcroed a 2TB drive to the back of my screen - to get rid of that was nice, too. But even with 1080p amateur video editing, there was not much difference.

It is personal preference whether you use the Mac or DELL. The Mac may feel a bit smoother. But DELL's, like-for-like, are not necessarily cheaper - and I used to work for DELL. Since you are running Citrix, it does not really matter what OS you are running. You have no complaints, so the 2017 should be just fine. If you are happy with MacOS stick to it.

I would keep the money, until you really run into some bottleneck, like RAM (would need to upgrade), or storage (can swap internal card, or external drive). GPU limits can be addressed with a eGPU, which occupies one TB port and could drive 4 or more monitors, while charging your computer. If you are concerned about gaming performance, get a game console. If you are thinking about improving ergonomics, I would look into investing into a good 4k IPS monitor. A DELL monitor would be an excellent choice, perhaps combined with a magic keyboard and trackpad. On the finance aspect, there is no need for you to get a new computer. If you can afford it, fine. If not, then I would not spend the money. It is always good to have some reserves.

Whether you share one computer with your company: should be fine as long as you are prudent with security and your company's data, and keep the strictly separate. With Citrix, should not be that difficult.