First MBP - which one?

[Mojer]

I am “currently” a basic user and nothing too heavy (Spotify, Netflix, Youtube, web surfing with multiple tabs open, Pages, etc, etc). However, I plan to keep this MBP for a long time, and I know that my usage requirements “may” change slightly. I’ll very likely never get into hardcore video editing, but since I’ll be keeping this MBP for several years, I want room to “grow” with it. I was initially set to purchase a 2020 MBA, but the overheating issues have made me think twice. Therefore, I turn to the experts here for some much needed advice:

1. i5 8th gen vs i5 10th gen - will I notice the difference for my needs?
2. 8 or 16GB RAM?
3. 256GB or higher

I realize this a very subjective question. Maybe some think I’d be best off with a MBA. I don’t have an unlimited budget so a machine loaded with 4TB isn’t a possibility. But I value any advice on a machine that will work for me. Thanks!!!!!

 

[LFC2020]

i8 i10 🤔 is there something I don't know about? 😂

MacBook Pro base model 13 inch 8th gen i5 1.4 quad core 256gb sounds right for your light usage.

only thing i'd upgrade is the ram to 16gig, since you plan on keeping it for 5 years.

This machine will last you 5 years easily.

MacBook Air is another good option if you don't mind that it doesn't have a p3 colour gamut screen.

Go with the base model on the air, then upgrade the dual core to the i5 1.1 quad core.

Upgrade the ram to 16 gig also.

With your light usage 256gb should be plenty.

I'd rather the pro model nicer screen and better thermals, can't go wrong with either though.

both will last you a very long time.

 

[Mojer]

The i8 vs i10 typo was a result of typing this thread at 5 am my time. I fixed it and thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Muyfa666]

I am “currently” a basic user and nothing too heavy (Spotify, Netflix, Youtube, web surfing with multiple tabs open, Pages, etc, etc). However, I plan to keep this MBP for a long time, and I know that my usage requirements “may” change slightly. I’ll very likely never get into hardcore video editing, but since I’ll be keeping this MBP for several years, I want room to “grow” with it. I was initially set to purchase a 2020 MBA, but the overheating issues have made me think twice. Therefore, I turn to the experts here for some much needed advice:

1. i5 8th gen vs i5 10th gen - will I notice the difference for my needs?
2. 8 or 16GB RAM?
3. 256GB or higher

I realize this a very subjective question. Maybe some think I’d be best off with a MBA. I don’t have an unlimited budget so a machine loaded with 4TB isn’t a possibility. But I value any advice on a machine that will work for me. Thanks!!!!!

Turn it around instead; what your budget? Decide that and then it's easier to get good advice. The base MBP13 is a good machine, and I'd get 16gb ram and 512gb ssd if it's in your price range. If you could opt for the gen10 i5/16gb/512gb I'd say that should be very future proof.

 

[deeddawg]

I am “currently” a basic user and nothing too heavy (Spotify, Netflix, Youtube, web surfing with multiple tabs open, Pages, etc, etc). I was initially set to purchase a 2020 MBA, but the overheating issues have made me think twice.

This "issue" you mention has been extremely overblown.

The MBA is built for intermittent burst CPU usage, not for sustained CPU loads.

If choice of software or choice of codec (4k youtube in chrome using VP9 codec which decodes in software) includes heavy sustained CPU usage, you will get the fan spinning.

Choose the appropriate tool for the job -- the MBA is a fine computer, but it's not the appropriate choice if you need to do frequent, long sustained CPU loads.

In my usage, which is generally web/email/numbers/etc plus some hobbiest photography using lightroom/luminar/photomechanic, my i5 MBA remains cool and silent. Only brings up a little fan noise when exporting a few RAW image files, and will spin the fan more audibly when doing something sustained like building previews for 1000 images.

 

[Mojer]

Great point about choosing the appropriate tool for the job. Part of me wants to reconsider the Air. However, I need for this machine to last five years, and even though the MBA will probably last the five years, why should I not spend a few hundred more if I can get a better MBP? The price difference between the MBA and MBP is not substantial. I am not knocking the MBA, but is it worth it to spend another $300 to have a machine that will not have the alleged heat issues?

 

[Muyfa666]

Great point about choosing the appropriate tool for the job. Part of me wants to reconsider the Air. However, I need for this machine to last five years, and even though the MBA will probably last the five years, why should I not spend a few hundred more if I can get a better MBP? The price difference between the MBA and MBP is not substantial. I am not knocking the MBA, but is it worth it to spend another $300 to have a machine that will not have the alleged heat issues?

It probably is. Go with the base gen10 i5 if it’s in your budget.

 

[Spartan23R]

If your use case wilt slightly grow the next five years besides the things you mentioned (Spotify, Netflix, Youtube, web surfing with multiple tabs open, Pages, etc, etc) --> skip the Air.

 

[deeddawg]

Great point about choosing the appropriate tool for the job. Part of me wants to reconsider the Air. However, I need for this machine to last five years, and even though the MBA will probably last the five years, why should I not spend a few hundred more if I can get a better MBP? The price difference between the MBA and MBP is not substantial. I am not knocking the MBA, but is it worth it to spend another $300 to have a machine that will not have the alleged heat issues?

Depends on various personal preferences and expected usage.

There's not a "heat issue". The MBA is doing exactly as it's designed to do. Even with the fan going while pushing the CPU with a continuous load, my MBA's bottom case doesn't get uncomfortably warm.
I'd suggest this video for better info / discussion on the topic:

The question is whether you expect to be doing sustained CPU loads on a regular basis. Also whether you like touchbar or prefer function keys. Various other differences.

Speaking for myself, there's no way I'd spend $1600 on an 8th gen CPU equipped computer today (i5/16/512) - if my needs directed me to the MBP over an MBA, I'd buy nothing less than the 10th gen CPU equipped model even at $1800.

So look to your usage - intermittent CPU loads, MBA will be great. Frequent, consistent CPU loads, pony up for the 10th gen MBP

 

[Mojer]

Thanks for the replies. I like the air but I’m pretty sure I’m getting a pro.

 

[henry72]

Is this your first Mac?

Just get the based model and it will last you many years...

The Air is also a great option for what you need. I wouldn‘t worry about overheating especially your usage is light.

Anyway you can‘t go wrong with either. Remember to use the student discount if you can.

 

[deeddawg]

The Air is also a great option for what you need. I wouldn‘t worry about overheating especially your usage is light.

There's no "overheating" AFAIK unless someone has a bad unit. (or you're a youtube reviewer trying to get clicks)

Some folks apparently think the CPU should run cooler, but others say it's running within specification. So not overheating. Probably working just as designed - likely a balance of keeping the case comfortable, not killing the battery, and still getting stuff done.

As I posted earlier today:

Just for grins, I set my i5 MBA to indexing faces through a couple thousand raw image files within Lightroom. I didn't time this, but it took a few minutes. Point was to push the system and get the fan going so I could check case temperatures.

MBA sitting on my desk, ambient household temperature ~72F.

Bottom case temps around 90F near the feet, peaking at 108F under the 6-F6-7 area. Topcase temps 89F on the palm rests, 115F at the 6-F6-7 junction, falling off quickly from there - ~98F between TYU & GHJ, 89F above the spacebar and through the palm rest.

So basically, hammering the system in a heavy workload, I imagine the CPU was at its thermal limits, yet the MBA was never more than what I'd call "warm" in my lap.

... and Safari and Mail and Messages remained reasonably responsive.

Once the indexing finished, the MBA quickly went back to silence.

I continue to be very pleased with this system.

108F bottom case temp isn't what I'd consider overheating - seems it's managing the heat really well if the design criteria is to keep the thing from scorching one's lap.

 

[henry72]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1257375525997330439

 

[Mojer]

Base MBA w 16GB Ram vs Base MBP w 16GB Ram.....is it worth the $300 increase?

 

[impulse462]

No one should be buying the MacBook Air. Reaching 70-80c while doing basic tasks is a travesty and it’s due to the lack of heat pipe leaving the CPU. With moderate work the cpu is just sitting at 95-100c. Very poorly designed computer. The previous (2010–2017) Airs did not have this.

And for anyone saying the air is “designed” to work that way, that means it’s a crappy design.

To the OP, i think you should get the base MBP. given that you want to keep it a whlie, itll go along way in terms of longevity of the components.

 

[LFC2020]

Base MBA w 16GB Ram vs Base MBP w 16GB Ram.....is it worth the $300 increase?

Yes better more colour accurate p3 colour gamut screen, brighter screen, better thermals, better performance.

 

[maerz001]

Well it seems u made your decision already with the pro.

But with your usage you are fine with even the basic air. Your performance needs are so low it won’t lift the CPU from idle clock speed.

I’m running a fanless 2016 MB which in this forum isn’t known as a beast but still is able to do photoshop and VM windows based 3D design. just to give you some relaxation regarding performance...

 

[jerryk]

A base mode 13" should be fine. If your workflow does change a lot in the future you can upgrade again and if need be likely get a some good trade in/resell value from this system. Never try to "future proof" unless you know what your future needs are going to be.