From 2016 MBP to a 2019 model, what to expect?

[kasakka]

So in 3 weeks I am switching jobs which means I get to pick a new work machine. Since I will need a new machine before the next gen ones are released, it's most likely going to be a 2019 16" MBP for me.

My current setup when working remotely is a 2016 15" MBP connected to a 4K monitor, an external mechanical keyboard and the Apple Trackpad. At clients I run the laptop usually connected to an external display, again with a mechanical keyboard and trackpad. So in most cases it resembles a desktop setup more.

I am a web/mobile app developer so I'm mostly working with NodeJS, terminals, browsers, Xcode, Android Studio, Visual Studio Code. Mobile emulators/simulators and the occasional virtual machine of course.

The 2016 model has worked alright for me, the rubbish keyboard has been my biggest complaint and it tends to get noisy when doing anything more intensive when in clamshell mode.

Are there any pitfalls that I should know about the 2019 MBPs?

 

[jerryk]

To me, everything is a little better on the 16". But be aware people have complained about fan noise with external monitors. I rarely use mine with an external monitor so that has minimal impact on me.

 

[ght56]

It is a great computer...better keyboard, lots of power, great screen that works with split screen view better than the 15 inch, better speakers and microphone, and a solid and refined design overall. However, you will probably want to consider a version with the 5600M GPU rather than the 5500M or 5300M, because the 5600M plays better with external displays. If I could go back in time I would buy the identical computer, but with a 5600M GPU to reduce the amount of heat that is generated when using external displays. Especially if you dislike noise, the 5600M is probably your golden ticket.

Heh...I use mine with a Magic Trackpad 2 and mechanical as well.

 

[kasakka]

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't think they are willing to splurge on a better GPU especially with how ridiculous the upcharge is.

 

[matram]

I find the discussion about GPU heat dissipation a bit overblown. When my 16” have its fans at maximum, the system is drawing 80 - 100W total. Of course the 18W the GPU draws is not ideal, but the CPU and the rest of the system may draw up to 80W so it is really the combination of GPU and a heavily loaded CPU that is the problem.

On my system to get the fans down to 3000 rpm, a more acceptable noise level, requires maximum 60W system load. A GPU that runs at 5W would help of course but it would still not take you down to those levels.

I today do a lot of Zoom and MS Teams conferences and these tools unfortunately draw a lot of power. They seems to be badly implemented.

So compared to my 2016 15” I am very happy with the 16”, but it do run hotter. If you want to heavily load your system and is sensitive to noise, probably an iMac is a better option.

 

[kasakka]

I find the discussion about GPU heat dissipation a bit overblown. When my 16” have its fans at maximum, the system is drawing 80 - 100W total. Of course the 18W the GPU draws is not ideal, but the CPU and the rest of the system may draw up to 80W so it is really the combination of GPU and a heavily loaded CPU that is the problem.

On my system to get the fans down to 3000 rpm, a more acceptable noise level, requires maximum 60W system load. A GPU that runs at 5W would help of course but it would still not take you down to those levels.

I today do a lot of Zoom and MS Teams conferences and these tools unfortunately draw a lot of power. They seems to be badly implemented.

So compared to my 2016 15” I am very happy with the 16”, but it do run hotter. If you want to heavily load your system and is sensitive to noise, probably an iMac is a better option.

Thanks for the reply! For my work it has to be the portable option as I will be running to client offices when this whole coronavirus thing is over. My 2016 MBP does get pretty noisy when I run say automated tests or compile stuff but otherwise stays fairly polite in clamshell mode connected to a 4K screen.