Can’t decide between this or base pro

[GKDAIR]

hello everyone. In the market for a new Mac and I’m having trouble deciding which one to get

I’m not a power user, this computer would only be used for notes, Netflix, surfing web and things of that nature.

I’ve played with both models in the store and I almost feel like the MacBook is too small, but the Pro comes with half the storage space, but it does come with an extra usb c port

I’ve also heard that buying a non touch bar MacBook Pro is essentially a waste of money but It’s just not in my budget to afford the touch bar model.

While I’m not a power user, future proofing does concern me and I’m concerned in a few years the MacBook will age faster due to its lower specs.

I’d really appreciate if anybody could help me out, thanks everyone

 

[JK_Zeng]

hello everyone. In the market for a new Mac and I’m having trouble deciding which one to get

I’m not a power user, this computer would only be used for notes, Netflix, surfing web and things of that nature.

I’ve played with both models in the store and I almost feel like the MacBook is too small, but the Pro comes with half the storage space, but it does come with an extra usb c port

I’ve also heard that buying a non touch bar MacBook Pro is essentially a waste of money but It’s just not in my budget to afford the touch bar model.

While I’m not a power user, future proofing does concern me and I’m concerned in a few years the MacBook will age faster due to its lower specs.

I’d really appreciate if anybody could help me out, thanks everyone

I have been using the base model 2017 Macbook for a year now, and have recently ordered a 2018 MacBook Pro Touch Bar. Personally I feel I have been spoilt by the form factor of the Macbook, that I am 2 days away from returning the MacBook Pro.

Usage wise I don't feel I am missing out using the Macbook, Lightroom/Photoshop/Final Cut Pro all feels equally snappy, even when editing 4k files. The only deal breaker is when I am exporting a half hour long 4k video. The MacBook Pro finished exporting under 15 minutes while the Macbook took over an hour.

If this is your only computer, go for the MacBook Pro. For me, I keep choosing the Macbook over the MacBook Pro when going out. It is not so much of the extra weight, but the smaller footprint, especially on a cafe table or in a plane.

Maybe you can try ordering 2 models and return the one you use less. My experience is that I value the extra portability and the larger SSD. I have already used up 120gb after a year and I don't even store music and video on my macbook.

 

[Caspavio]

I’ve also heard that buying a non touch bar MacBook Pro is essentially a waste of money but It’s just not in my budget to afford the touch bar model.

if you can, wait. apple might be releasing new laptop(s). otherwise, read on.

I’ve played with both models in the store and I almost feel like the MacBook is too small, but the Pro comes with half the storage space, but it does come with an extra usb c port

While I’m not a power user, future proofing does concern me and I’m concerned in a few years the MacBook will age faster due to its lower specs.

i would recommend the MBP. it is better in all aspects, except storage space and weight. for storage, you can get cheap external SSD harddrives nowadays, so not really a problem, especially since you are not a power user. for weight, 1.37kg is already very light, not much benefit going smaller and lighter

 

[Macalicious2011]

I wouldn't buy an expensive laptop in 2018 with 128GB storage. If you can't afford to buy a a 256GB Pro then buy a refurbished or used one.

 

[GKDAIR]

Thanks everybody. After more thought and more playing around I decided to go with the base MacBook Pro.

The MacBook just felt too small to me and almost like a toy, the MacBook Pro felt more like a traditional laptop and the 13 inch screen is perfect.

Knowing my luck, Apple will introduce a 13 inch MacBook which would be the best of both worlds for me.
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I wouldn't buy an expensive laptop in 2018 with 128GB storage. If you can't afford to buy a a 256GB Pro then buy a refurbished or used one.

128 is fine for me. A little tight but like I said this is mostly just for school work and Netflix/YouTube.

My 2011 Air before I gave it a fresh install only had like 100 gigs of storage and in the 7 years I used it only got it down to around 60.

 

[Tmelon]

Thanks everybody. After more thought and more playing around I decided to go with the base MacBook Pro.

The MacBook just felt too small to me and almost like a toy, the MacBook Pro felt more like a traditional laptop and the 13 inch screen is perfect.

Knowing my luck, Apple will introduce a 13 inch MacBook which would be the best of both worlds for me.

I'm sort of speculating that a 13 inch MacBook is their plan since they didn't upgrade the base model MacBook Pro when they released the new models last month. Regardless, the MacBook Pro that you purchased is a solid choice and it will age a lot better than the 12 inch MacBook.

 

[maerz001]

As others have said buy 256GB from the refurb store from Apple online.
They are like new and tested.

Don’t forget that app, video and image sizes grow over time cos of more pixels

 

[Macalicious2011]

My 2011 Air before I gave it a fresh install only had like 100 gigs of storage and in the 7 years I used it only got it down to around 60.

Wow. In that case 128gb will be fine. iCloud storage will have you covered for the rest.

 

[lambertjohn]

Wow. In that case 128gb will be fine. iCloud storage will have you covered for the rest.

And what happens when the cloud goes down, or he's in a place with no internet coverage? The cloud only works if you can get to it. I prefer keeping all my stuff local anyway--safe and in my control.

 

[Macalicious2011]

And what happens when the cloud goes down, or he's in a place with no internet coverage? The cloud only works if you can get to it. I prefer keeping all my stuff local anyway--safe and in my control.

If local access is critical to a business then a bigger SSD drive or portable storage is a no brainer.

Control is relative. If you laptop gets stolen, broken or burns down in a house then all is lost unless you ha e the data stored at two different locations.

 

[fokmik]

I think you should wait for the new one 13” maybe,is not clear but the base Mbp didn’t get the internals updates or the 3d keyboard issues free and the bigger battery,no Bluetooth 5 With only 2 microphones not 3
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/13/apple-inexpensive-notebooks-digitimes/

 

[meluhan]

If this is your only computer, go for the MacBook Pro. For me, I keep choosing the Macbook over the MacBook Pro when going out. It is not so much of the extra weight, but the smaller footprint, especially on a cafe table or in a plane.

This. I have a 15" 2018 MBP ( had the 2017 model earlier) and a 2017 12" MacBook. Almost anytime i step out of the house, i go to the 12". Not saying the 15" isn't portable but once you get used to the 12", its too easy to just grab it and go out. Unless I am traveling for more than a week, the 12" is my primary machine when I travel. The 15" is my primary machine when I am at home. This combo. works really well for me.