Can’t believe I did this but glad I did...

[DougFNJ]

I’ve been using the 2018 MacBook Pro 13” for a year now. I love the i7 Quad core, and I got it with 16GB Ram, and 1 TB drive. I figured I’d have this for 5 years, it’s been serving me well until I got back into video editing. I’m a data hoarder and had the drive almost filled up with the content I already have on board between music, movies, photos, and just tons of data. It’s enough to get me nervous about capacity sometimes when I’m loading a lot of 4K content to edit. External drives aren’t very convenient as I travel a lot and need to keep minimal.

When Apple released the 2019 MacBook Pros a couple weeks ago, I kept pricing it out with my company discount fully maxed out, had it sitting in my cart and then removed it. Finally last week I pulled the trigger. I figured between what I would get selling the 2018, the points from using my Apple Barclays card would pay for AppleCare +, the convenience of travel with not having to worry about hard drive space, I’ll have the best version of this model MacBook Pro, and it will make me money. I paid and anxiously awaited shipment.

It arrived today, Space Gray 13” MacBook Pro, I7, 16GB RAM, 2 TB Hard drive, and I am in computing heaven!! This is a dream machine for me. The differences between the 2018 and 2019 performance wise are minimal but the keyboard is noticeable. First of all, I used an external SSD hard drive for the migration assistant from a Time Machine backup. That was the fastest I have ever experienced moving everything from one MacBook to another. I used to have to put the 2 together and go to bed, next morning it was almost done. Doing it this way, it took less then 2 hours. I was expecting the regular slight lag as the new MacBook Pro indexes files and goes through that initial processing, and am not noticing any of that at all.

As far as the keyboard differences, there is definitely a difference in the feel. The sound is not loud at all, I would say the same volume as the 2018. The keys feel a little firmer. The key presses don’t have the slightly flimsy feel the previous generation had. It seemed like there was a lot more movement in the keys on the last one compared to the 2019 which just feels more solid. Time will tell if they really fixed the previous issues, mind you I had no issues with the 2018, and reporting showed the 2018 did not have the return volume generations before that had. I wouldn’t upgrade just for the keyboard, had I not wanted the larger drive, I really wouldn’t have had the need to upgrade.

This is the MacBook Pro that I see myself keeping for a long time. If you are using any 13” MacBook Pro before the 2018 version, this will absolutely be a worthwhile upgrade. The Quad Core is incredibly fast, any issues that were present in previous models have been addressed and likely fixed, and the performance is so impressive.

 

[maflynn]

This is the MacBook Pro that I see myself keeping for a long time.

Congrats and good luck

 

[Donnation]

Nice purchase, enjoy!!

 

[DougFNJ]

Thanks guys. I was thinking about it after I posted it. I think the 2019 will be equivalent for this model what 2015 was for the previous model. That’s just a thought, we will see the reliability numbers of course and see how it plays out.

 

[Dave245]

My 2019 MacBook Pro 13” base model with 512GB SSD arrived earlier today, so far I’m impressed. I love the design, the thinness and the weight are very impressive.

I’m hoping the keyboard issues have been fixed in this updated edition.

 

[MSastre]

Thanks for the keyboard impressions. Keyboard issues with newer MBPs has kept me using my 2013.

 

[Dave245]

Thanks for the keyboard impressions. Keyboard issues with newer MBPs has kept me using my 2013.

I second the keyboard thing, it feels different from the last gen which I tried in the Apple store. It feels softer to type on.

 

[DougFNJ]

My 2019 MacBook Pro 13” base model with 512GB SSD arrived earlier today, so far I’m impressed. I love the design, the thinness and the weight are very impressive.

I’m hoping the keyboard issues have been fixed in this updated edition.

I think the bulk of the issues in the 2018 version, I think this just fine tuned it.

Thanks for the keyboard impressions. Keyboard issues with newer MBPs has kept me using my 2013.

Your welcome. It’s a day 1 impression, but I think the first 2 versions set a bad tone. Definitely try it out at the store.

I second the keyboard thing, it feels different from the last gen which I tried in the Apple store. It feels softer to type on.

I’m curious how it holds up in the long term. I’m thinking it will go well.

 

[Dave245]

I think the bulk of the issues in the 2018 version, I think this just fine tuned it.



Your welcome. It’s a day 1 impression, but I think the first 2 versions set a bad tone. Definitely try it out at the store.



I’m curious how it holds up in the long term. I’m thinking it will go well.

Fingers crossed they have fixed it for the long term. The keyboard definitely feels better, the keys feel more softer to type on. It's only day one with this machine so it's very early days, but so far I'm happy.

This is probably going to be a controversial thing to say on this forum, but I really like the design and I don't think Apple have gotten enough credit for it. The fact that my 13" with Touch Bar, doesn't feel that much heavier than my iPad Pro 12.9" with the case on is amazing.

It's a big step up from my old 2011 MacBook Pro, so far this machine has felt very snappy.

 

[DougFNJ]

Fingers crossed they have fixed it for the long term. The keyboard definitely feels better, the keys feel more softer to type on. It's only day one with this machine so it's very early days, but so far I'm happy.

This is probably going to be a controversial thing to say on this forum, but I really like the design and I don't think Apple have gotten enough credit for it. The fact that my 13" with Touch Bar, doesn't feel that much heavier than my iPad Pro 12.9" with the case on is amazing.

It's a big step up from my old 2011 MacBook Pro, so far this machine has felt very snappy.

I wouldn’t look at it as controversial. I wouldn’t spend this much money on something unless I was confident I would be completely satisfied.

I love that they made a quad core powerful computer into something as small and thin as they were able to make it. As I said in my original post, I am on the road full time during the day. I need small, light, and powerful, this checked all those boxes.

I could had gone out and gotten a Windows computer with higher specs at a much lower price point, and I see that argument stated all the time. I went down that road and made that same argument for years before I made the switch. But after all the antivirus software and error correction software running in the background. After the regular updates and security patches that took a ridiculous time to install. With all the bloat that clung to the registries, by the end of year one it would run at half the power. By the end of year 2 if I made it that long, I began shopping for replacements. My first Mac I had for 4 years, it ran just as fast when I replaced it as it did the day I got it.

I am so satisfied with this purchase and really happy with the performance I am seeing, and this is while indexing is going. After that first few days, the experience typically only gets better.

 

[kp98077]

My 2019 MacBook Pro 13” base model with 512GB SSD arrived earlier today, so far I’m impressed. I love the design, the thinness and the weight are very impressive.

I’m hoping the keyboard issues have been fixed in this updated edition.

Is that 8 or 16GB? What’s your impression this far in performance?

 

[vaugha]

Well next year, when we get a redesign w/ an oled display, faceid, new keyboard, faster and more ram, bigger screen, I know you're gonna order one.

 

[Dave245]

Is that 8 or 16GB? What’s your impression this far in performance?

8GB Ram, it’s fast, snappy and does everything I want/need. I photo edit using Pixelmator Pro as a hobby, it’s very fast using the app. As my main job I’m a writer, I like the feel of the keyboard. I just hope they fixed the issues with this years model.

 

[ivanwi11iams]

Whoa, what, I came for the photos...!

PS: Congratulations

 

[kp98077]

8GB Ram, it’s fast, snappy and does everything I want/need. I photo edit using Pixelmator Pro as a hobby, it’s very fast using the app. As my main job I’m a writer, I like the feel of the keyboard. I just hope they fixed the issues with this years model.

Niceeeeee! Yes seems the 8 is fine for most !!

 

[duervo]

13” one is what I’d likely be getting if I were in the market for one. For me, it would be the i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage config. My media storage needs are taken care of with my NAS, and my computing needs are slimmer than they used to be. I just need to be able to access my lab via web browser with HTML5, or terminal with SSH.

 

[ghanwani]

I'm thinking of doing the same (mine is a 2017 nTB). I'm not a power user so my main motivation is the (hopefully) more silent keyboard and the true tone display. Is there a big downside to going with the 2.4 GHz to save a few bucks?

BTW, how do you price your used machines? For a machine in very good condition after ~2 years since purchase, what % of purchase price can I expect to get? Most websites that buy used macs don't seem to account for the RAM/SSD upgrade. The machine is still under AppleCare, so how to add that?

 

[Dave245]

Niceeeeee! Yes seems the 8 is fine for most !!

Yea it seems so, when i brought my 2012 iMac (back in October of 2012 i think pre-order went live) i got 16GB Ram, ever since i have never used that much Ram, in activity monitor the bar never goes above green. It was a waste really.

I spent a lot of yesterday writing and editing photos, i have to say that i really like the Touch Bar for editing in Pixelmator Pro, It's so much better than having a touch screen machine.

 

[Spudlicious]

Nice to read of a happy buyer, hope you stay that way.

 

[DougFNJ]

Well next year, when we get a redesign w/ an oled display, faceid, new keyboard, faster and more ram, bigger screen, I know you're gonna order one.

LOL!! I almost always skip first generations of new products with the exception of iPhones and iPads. The only thing that would make me make the switch sooner rather than later is more cores.

8GB Ram, it’s fast, snappy and does everything I want/need. I photo edit using Pixelmator Pro as a hobby, it’s very fast using the app. As my main job I’m a writer, I like the feel of the keyboard. I just hope they fixed the issues with this years model.

Niceeeeee! Yes seems the 8 is fine for most !!

Your both right, I think 8 GB RAM IS good for most. If I didn't do the video editing, I would probably had gone that route.

Whoa, what, I came for the photos...!

PS: Congratulations

Thanks man, lol I'll post photos later.

13” one is what I’d likely be getting if I were in the market for one. For me, it would be the i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage config. My media storage needs are taken care of with my NAS, and my computing needs are slimmer than they used to be. I just need to be able to access my lab via web browser with HTML5, or terminal with SSH.

You might actually be able to get away with the more base configurations. I do the max because you can only choose em 1 time.

I'm thinking of doing the same (mine is a 2017 nTB). I'm not a power user so my main motivation is the (hopefully) more silent keyboard and the true tone display. Is there a big downside to going with the 2.4 GHz to save a few bucks?

BTW, how do you price your used machines? For a machine in very good condition after ~2 years since purchase, what % of purchase price can I expect to get? Most websites that buy used macs don't seem to account for the RAM/SSD upgrade. The machine is still under AppleCare, so how to add that?

I wouldn't think there would be a downside going with the 2.4 at all, especially if your primary use is consumption.
As far as pricing, I do some research on Ebay, craigslist, and Swappa. I look at how much people are asking, and then I look at completed listings and see what they sold for. That gives me the idea on how to price to sell.

Yea it seems so, when i brought my 2012 iMac (back in October of 2012 i think pre-order went live) i got 16GB Ram, ever since i have never used that much Ram, in activity monitor the bar never goes above green. It was a waste really.

I spent a lot of yesterday writing and editing photos, i have to say that i really like the Touch Bar for editing in Pixelmator Pro, It's so much better than having a touch screen machine.

I wouldn't call it a waste, as software gets more robust, or you do more multitasking, you'll appreciate it down the road.

Nice to read of a happy buyer, hope you stay that way.

Been a happy buyer for years. One thing I like about Apple, is the rare times I was NOT happy, they made things right until I was happy. They go above and beyond more than most companies I deal with.

Just to comment a little more on the keyboard, I think the best description I can give is it is a little more springy and a lot more solid, slightly stiffer, I especially notice it on the space bar. They said Apple put what appears to be a nylon coating to protect from debris sticking below the keys, and reinforced the keys with a stronger material. As I have been using this keyboard more, I almost have felt like I have to get used to it again. Where the last version, the keys had more movement to them, like the keys had more play around the outside, these keys are solid with no play. It's almost like the first time I used this version coming from the 2015 version of the keyboard. I wasn't used to the keys sitting so low, so I found myself pressing them harder. This one I was so used to them being softer before, I have to press these ever so slightly harder.

On the machine, indexing should be complete at this point, so I will get a real world idea on how the battery holds up. There is zero lag anywhere on this machine. Everything responds immediately no matter what I do, and no matter how much I throw at it. I am so satisfied with what I have here. I hope others experience this same level of satisfaction, there is nothing like making a purchase and feeling absolutely no remorse whatsoever. Really happy I did this.

 

[Dave245]

Nice to read of a happy buyer, hope you stay that way.

Yea me too. IF I have no issues I will remain a happy user. It will probably be controversial but I actually like these MacBooks. I think the Touch Bar is very useful (at least for the time I have been using it). Battery life is pretty good as well, no complaints on my end so far

 

[kp98077]

Yea me too. IF I have no issues I will remain a happy user. It will probably be controversial but I actually like these MacBooks. I think the Touch Bar is very useful (at least for the time I have been using it). Battery life is pretty good as well, no complaints on my end so far

yeah I agree with you, I have always loved the MacBooks and never any huge issues, even if I did apple always stepped up... even without apple care... maybe that is how it is where I live? Hard part from will be WHICH one do I keep the 15" or 13"?? VERY Tough decision!!!........anyone have these same issues?

 

[DougFNJ]

yeah I agree with you, I have always loved the MacBooks and never any huge issues, even if I did apple always stepped up... even without apple care... maybe that is how it is where I live? Hard part from will be WHICH one do I keep the 15" or 13"?? VERY Tough decision!!!........anyone have these same issues?

I really really considered stepping up to a 15”. Size was the one and only reason I couldn’t do it. The 13” is the perfect sweet spot for me, and updating the processor to 4 cores made this a great amount of power to handle anything I throw at it. It’s a great dilemma to have though if you think about it.

One of the best stories I have with Apple service is years ago, I was having fun with iMovie but wanted to step up to something more robust. I purchased Final Cut Express. Apple had One on One service plans at that time, so I used these sessions to learn more about it. It was so different from iMovie, I was really struggling getting the hang of it. Months later, Final Cut Pro X released. Pros HATED IT, they felt it was just iMovie on steroids which was precisely what I was looking for. The guy I was working with on the one on one understood the challenges I was having. I was going in for a session a week after Final Cut Pro X was released, he showed it to me, and felt bad knowing how well it would work for me vs Final Cut Express. He excused himself, talked with a manager and asked me if I had my proof of purchase on Final Cut Express which I had the email receipt. I didn’t ask for this, he did it for me. He refunded my money I paid on Final Cut Express $199 gave me a discount on Final Cut Pro X for a minimum cost to upgrade, gave me an iTunes gift card so I could download it. That’s the type of service I never forget. When I’m buying something from Apple, I’m not just purchasing the hardware and software.

 

[kp98077]

I really really considered stepping up to a 15”. Size was the one and only reason I couldn’t do it. The 13” is the perfect sweet spot for me, and updating the processor to 4 cores made this a great amount of power to handle anything I throw at it. It’s a great dilemma to have though if you think about it.

One of the best stories I have with Apple service is years ago, I was having fun with iMovie but wanted to step up to something more robust. I purchased Final Cut Express. Apple had One on One service plans at that time, so I used these sessions to learn more about it. It was so different from iMovie, I was really struggling getting the hang of it. Months later, Final Cut Pro X released. Pros HATED IT, they felt it was just iMovie on steroids which was precisely what I was looking for. The guy I was working with on the one on one understood the challenges I was having. I was going in for a session a week after Final Cut Pro X was released, he showed it to me, and felt bad knowing how well it would work for me vs Final Cut Express. He excused himself, talked with a manager and asked me if I had my proof of purchase on Final Cut Express which I had the email receipt. I didn’t ask for this, he did it for me. He refunded my money I paid on Final Cut Express $199 gave me a discount on Final Cut Pro X for a minimum cost to upgrade, gave me an iTunes gift card so I could download it. That’s the type of service I never forget. When I’m buying something from Apple, I’m not just purchasing the hardware and software.

yes that is service! and yes a tough choice for sure, the 15" screen is just so beautiful... and the keyboard is as well... time will tell

 

[MSastre]

yes that is service! and yes a tough choice for sure, the 15" screen is just so beautiful... and the keyboard is as well... time will tell

I prefer the 15" screen for video editing.