Hands-On With Apple's New 13-Inch MacBook Pro

[0920872]

Heat management! If you’re going to do anything that requires load, you want this for that reason. The low-end MBP 13” has a heat pipe connected to one fan. The high-end MBP 13” has two heat pipes and two fans (one connected to each fan).

Before you decide to say you’re not doing 4K video editing or anything that intensive, even multiple Chrome tabs with one video playing in a high resolution, will max the temp at 99-degrees Celsius, throttle the MBA, and create chaos with its one lonely fan which is not connected to anything. It basically is there for show or minimal airflow on the MBA. The MBP is what you want if you need to get anything done. The MBA is great for watching Netflix in Safari, and running a Few spreadsheets, documents or less intensive apps.

I would only buy the low-end 13” MBP with 16GB of RAM. The high-end model makes no sense based on the pricing. At that point, one is far better off going with the 16” MBP. Spec for spec, Apple is slowly doing better. But it still has a long ways to go. I would like to see Apple not sit on its macOS/ecosystem model and start creating Macs that work more like iOS devices. The iPad and iPadOS and iPhone with iOS are rock solid devices. They really know how to build the vertical integration from SoC design to great hardware design. I would like to see them carry over those design languages to Mac devices and use their own knowledge in conjunction with Intel and Run both Intel and A-Series SoCs simultaneously. Apple could easily make Macs that have both chips rather than switching completely and waiting on Intel all the time. As things progress, perhaps a five-year goal would be to introduce only ARM A-Series SoCs. Even the graphics will probably blow away AMD/Nvidia on a per watt basis.

I hope they quit spending money buying back AAPL stock and start innovating a new generation of Macs! Ones that also run MacOS on the iPad Pro!

What about video performance?

 

[glowplug]

bezels are still thick. Apple is smoking crack when they say any of their products are edge to edge.

Get rid of bezels and add a notch! 😂😂😂

 

[Chompineer]

You're MACRUMORS..... why would you buy the base model? Still a great video. Thanks.
A maxed out 16-inch Macbook Pro will run you: $6,099.00 so a maxed out 13-inch Macbook Pro at $3,599 isn't too bad.

The price gap just doesn’t make sense in Canada.
2600 after HST... Refurb 16” i7/512gb is 2800 after HST...

Unless you REALLY need a tiny laptop, the 16” is a better choice here for $200 more. You aren’t going to miss out on anything with 10th gen h anyways, will be same as 9th gen h. 16” is in a good place to stay top of the line relevant for a few generations.

 

[VPRunner]

So what are you going to do?

I’m desperate for something new but terribly disappointed there was no 14.1” screen.

I think I’m buying a fully loaded 13.3” anyway and selling it if a 14.1 model is introduced. Hopefully I’ll not lose too much of my investment.

I always say the most important reason to upgrade is an improved screen (but 32G RAM is really the driving factor right now).

I‘m going to hold out for a few months and see if there are any rumblings of the 14” in in Q4. If not I will pull the trigger.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

It costs more money to implement four TB3 ports over two.

Need four ports? Easy. Pay for it.

Yes, but super cheap to have two TB3 ports and two USB-A ports

 

[iRun26.2]

I‘m going to hold out for a few months and see if there are any rumblings of the 14” in in Q4. If not I will pull the trigger.

That sounds like a very good idea!

I may not be able to wait that long. I think I will gamble that the more recent rumors point to a 2021 release date for a mini-LED 14.1” MBP are correct.

 

[incoherent_1]

Sorry MacRumors, but the recommendation of checking out the 16” instead of the 13” misses the point completely. The $1799 version of the 13” matches with the $2399 version of the 16” and the $1999 version matches with the $2799 16”.

The difference in cost is $600 and $800, respectively. That’s a huge delta for most users who are simply going to buy what Apple offers without adding BTO options.

For $600, I get 2 more cores, a larger display, a discrete GPU, better microphones and speakers. That’s it. For $600. Which may be of value to some, but not others. The price delta is not insignificant.

For $800, I get 4 more cores, a larger display, a more powerful discrete GPU, better microphones and speakers. That’s it. For $800. That is no small drop in the bucket.

You are being incredibly disingenuous when you state the 13” MacBook Pro goes to $3500 with upgrades, but don’t give me the price for the corresponding 16” model as though I wouldnt want to upgrade it as well. By the way, the price difference between a loaded 13” and an equivalent 6-core is still $400 and between the loaded 13” and the 8-core is $600.

It would be nice if the editors writing these so-called “reviews” actually thought about what they are writing and that they work for MACrumors and not PCPeopleWhoSecretlyWorkAtMacRumors. Even if you think the 16” is a better value, stating it in an objective manner would go a long way from the lazy writing I see here. The rest of the review is just a mess and could use a pass by a decent editor.

Yes to all of this! Not to mention: I don’t want a bloody 16” notebook to drag around. Cost aside, the extra size and weight is just not worth the (very) small marginal benefits.

 

[citysnaps]

Yes, but super cheap to have two TB3 ports and two USB-A ports

No thanks. I moved on from USB-A 3-4 years ago.

 

[Mr. Dee]

I totally agree about the 12" MacBook, I feel the 2017 version was one of the best products Apple has EVER put out.

One thing: my 2015 15" MBP had a Haswell-based CPU that was manufactured on a 22 nm process, not 14nm; I'm curious if you're sure that yours had a 14nm processor?

The Early 2015 13 inch MacBook Pro got the 14 NM Broadwell CPU, but the mid 2015 15 inch MacBook Pro remained with Haswell. It got the newer haptic touchpad though.

 

[KPOM]

They all got lower priced RAM and/or CPU options.

Apple on Monday announced the launch of a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with updated 10th-generation processors for higher-end machines and new scissor switch Magic Keyboards across the lineup.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

We picked one up to check out what's new and to see how it compares to other machines in Apple's notebook lineup. Read on to see what we thought and whether it's worth a purchase.

Design wise, the 13-inch 2020 MacBook Pro looks identical to the 2019 model because Apple has made no external changes with the exception of the new keyboard. It continues to use the same 13.3-inch size chassis, which is disappointing as there were rumors of a swap to an updated 14.1-inch design.

That 14.1-inch MacBook Pro might still come at some point in the future, but for now, Apple is continuing to sell the same old 13.3-inch model alongside the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

We bought the base model machine, which means it's still using Intel's 8th-generation processors. The higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models that start at $1,799 have faster and newer 10th-generation processors.

Based on benchmarks, the $1,799 MacBook Pro with a 2.0GHz Core i5 10th-generation Intel chip is about 16.5 percent faster than the $1,299 base model that we have here, which features a 1.4GHz quad-core Core i5 8th-generation processor.

Apple added support for up to 32GB RAM and a 4TB SSD in the 2020 MacBook Pro refresh, but again, those features are limited to the most expensive machines. The base model can only be upgraded to 16GB RAM and a 2TB SSD.

So basically, what's new in the base model MacBook Pro is the keyboard. It now features the same Magic Keyboard that Apple first introduced in the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The Magic Keyboard uses scissor-style switches instead of the old butterfly-style switches, which were notoriously unreliable and unpopular with users.

Apple's butterfly keyboards led to the initiation of a massive repair program, and though Apple tried time and time again to fix the butterfly keyboard with different band-aid methods, nothing worked, and the only way to get a more reliable keyboard was to go back to the scissor switch design.

The Magic Keyboard of the 13-inch MacBook Pro should be much more reliable than the keyboards of prior models that still had butterfly switches. With the release of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple has now officially eliminated the butterfly keyboard from its entire notebook lineup.

Design wise, the Magic Keyboard features a physical escape key and inverted T arrow keys, but it continues to feature a Touch Bar and Touch ID for biometric authentication. When it comes to feel, the Magic Keyboard isn't too far off from the butterfly keyboard that it's replacing with good key travel and a solid feel under the fingers.

It's worth noting that higher-end MacBook Pro models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports can now support the 6K Pro Display XDR, but the lower-end models with just two Thunderbolt 3 ports are limited to one 5K or two 4K displays.

Unless you're planning to shell out at least $1,799 for a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, this refresh is somewhat disappointing because the more affordable, lower-end models don't get anything but a refreshed keyboard design. At a $1,799 starting price and up to $3,500 for the upgrades, some users might be better off checking out one of the 16-inch MacBook Pro models unless size is a concern.

Those interested in portability and the lower-end specs of the more affordable MacBook Pro will want to take a good look at the MacBook Air, which may be a better value.

Article Link: Hands-On With Apple's New 13-Inch MacBook Pro

I think it is important to point out that the $1799 model is a significant price drop ($400) from its predecessor with 16GB and 512GB. And there is a steep $600 price difference between the Ice Lake 13” and the base 16” which has the same RAM and SSD.

Also, the Air is slower than the base Pro for CPU-intensive tasks.

 

[LimitR]

Why would MacRumors even bother purchasing the base model instead of the high-end model with significant changes? What are you going to report about, a new keyboard we've already seen on the 16"? C'mon now.

 

[ignatius345]

No, its the Thin Bezel Cult™ that is smoking crack. We’re not talking 2012-215 MBA bezels, these are fine and serve a purpose. Well, they serve two, one of which is to annoy the hell out of the Thin Bezel Cult™, which I’m popping popcorn now to enjoy heads popping everywhere.

Thank you. I'm so tired of hearing about this. At some point a few years ago, a bunch of people who never gave a thought to the space outside the monitor all learned the words "bezel" and "chin". And now like effing clockwork they wail and gnash their teeth when any new piece of hardware is introduced that dares to have some kind of border around the display.
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I totally agree about the 12" MacBook, I feel the 2017 version was one of the best products Apple has EVER put out.

One thing: my 2015 15" MBP had a Haswell-based CPU that was manufactured on a 22 nm process, not 14nm; I'm curious if you're sure that yours had a 14nm processor?

I didn't love it, myself. But if they managed one with the scissor-switch keyboard and a palatable battery life, I'd give it a shot.

 

[incoherent_1]

No thanks. I moved on from USB-A 3-4 years ago.

This. Having one set of cords that are all USB-C is a dream. I’ll never go back to owning a computer with USB-A ports.

 

[chengengaun]

I do wonder what percentage of bezel-haters actually hate the bezel through free will, and how many are socially programmed to just hate bezels. I love my 10.5" iPad Pro coz I can hold it comfortably without my thumbs covering the screen, and I love my MacBook bezels as I can adjust the screen angle without getting my fingers all over the screen.

I think bezels do serve the function of framing the screen and focusing your attention on it. If and when the bezel disappears, I am sure (some?) people will complain that they can't distinguish the white document against the white wall background, etc.

 

[yurc]

Sorry MacRumors, but the recommendation of checking out the 16” instead of the 13” misses the point completely. The $1799 version of the 13” matches with the $2399 version of the 16” and the $1999 version matches with the $2799 16”.

The difference in cost is $600 and $800, respectively. That’s a huge delta for most users who are simply going to buy what Apple offers without adding BTO options.

For $600, I get 2 more cores, a larger display, a discrete GPU, better microphones and speakers. That’s it. For $600. Which may be of value to some, but not others. The price delta is not insignificant.

For $800, I get 4 more cores, a larger display, a more powerful discrete GPU, better microphones and speakers. That’s it. For $800. That is no small drop in the bucket.

You are being incredibly disingenuous when you state the 13” MacBook Pro goes to $3500 with upgrades, but don’t give me the price for the corresponding 16” model as though I wouldnt want to upgrade it as well. By the way, the price difference between a loaded 13” and an equivalent 6-core is still $400 and between the loaded 13” and the 8-core is $600.

It would be nice if the editors writing these so-called “reviews” actually thought about what they are writing and that they work for MACrumors and not PCPeopleWhoSecretlyWorkAtMacRumors. Even if you think the 16” is a better value, stating it in an objective manner would go a long way from the lazy writing I see here. The rest of the review is just a mess and could use a pass by a decent editor.

We need more critical comments like this. I think MR article especially Mac related review article, is lack of depth. AppleInsider, 9to5Mac, MacWorld, or sometimes personal blog from artist/content creator, are better for buyer looking detailed Mac reviews. They review reflected real usage in real scenarios, sometimes they involved video editor /designer staff to do some testing. You can compare when iPhone review on MacRumors is waay more detailed and comprehensive, but on Mac review…quite shallow. Yes I know this mainly rumors site, but iPhone and Mac reviews are too contrast so I raise this issue.

Please take this as constructive feedback instead of cynical comments. On other hand, compared with above sites MR is having best active forum community. It just sad having “Mac” titled site with less Mac exposure.

 

[Detnator]

If something happens to my motherboard I lose all my data! Yay!

Maybe... just maybe... there are reasonable reasons to want removable storage, but this one is not one of them. This is just plain idiotic.

Maybe you should learn the meaning of “back up”...?

 

[HPDoor]

Reading this on a Early 2015 MacBook Pro, which seems to be chugging along just fine. Its obvious innovation has kinda plateaued but its probably not a bad thing. To think that the same 14 NM Intel processor, is still a part of this generation of notebooks, in itself speaks to how much the need to always be upgrading is not really necessary anymore. Sure, its a more optimised 14 NM, but, 5 years later and Intel can't provide 10 NM node is concerning. This in a sense causes some chain reaction in the products development, so much so, Apple couldn't even bring the 10th generation to entry level and mid-range models; which are still on 8th generation; mostly likely to make it distinct enough.

Outside of that, what I believe Apple needs to do is really bring back the 12 inch MacBook. I kinda realise, there is a need for it as a middle ground between the iPad and MacBook Air/Pro 13 inch models. For the past couple weeks, I have been using my Early 2015 MBP at night and its not great as a nightstand computer. My iPad certainly is, but lacks the power of macOS. But macOS also lacks the variety of applications.

I do hope when A Series is introduced, its this middle ground form factor, with the best of macOS and iPad, easy to pickup and put down beside your nightstand, not too big or small. Apple should just give Adobe and Microsoft substantial resources to help bring their key apps to macOS on A Series since it will help drive third party developer motivation to get their apps over. They can then use the A series as the catalyst to drive out Intel out of the product line slowly, but surely.

Replying on a Early 2015 MacBook Pro, which I will use until it dies, or I die, whichever comes first.

 

[xander09]

Unless you're planning to shell out at least $1,799 for a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, this refresh is somewhat disappointing because the more affordable, lower-end models don't get anything but a refreshed keyboard design.

In addition to the new keyboard, the entry-level models also offer twice the SSD storage at the same price ponts as the 2019 models. It’s not a lot, but it’s more than stated.

 

[Ahmed Tarig]

Why would you get the base model of this instead of the MacBook Air?

There is every reason to
The macbook book pro would perform better underload cuz of the heat pipes
It has a better screen
It has better speakers
You only lose in storage and ram, which wont be an issue unless you are a power user but then again the CPU is a huge disappointment

 

[Tozovac]

I know at some point my 2017 is going to have to be replaced, but I much prefer the meaty bezels that allow me to carry it securely and not smudge the screen and the tapered edges that allow me to actually pick the damn thing up when its not in a case.

Amen. Having at least SOME bezel also permits some of us less-fashion-conscious users use a case to protect our overpriced way too slippery iPhone and still be able to swipe from offscreen for gestures that are necessary due to Apple’s catering to the Button Hating Cult.

 

[Shwazam]

MacRumors - I appreciate the honest review of a lackluster upgrade in this line-up. I too was also hoping for the 14" screen. Also, for better price points for RAM and SSD upgrades.

I always appreciate your reviews.

 

[Jury]

Like someone already pointed out the problem of new update, The $1799 model should be the $1299 model.

 

[pearvsapple]

I would love to see Apple move to ARM. They don’t even get much 3rd party support with MacOS vs Windows even when they have x86 processors. They have nothing to lose at this point when MacOS is at the bottom of mainstream OS food chain. Also curious to see how the best of the best scaled up ARM processor fare against x86 in a bar fight.

 

[Arctic Moose]

Money is spent (but not enough to get the interesting model) to buy a computer for a “hands on”, yet results in no information whatsoever that isn’t available on Apple’s website? Not very helpful. How are the speakers and mics? How does it perform compared to the new MBA? Does it feel snappier than the 2019?

I humbly submit my anecdotal postulation that the Thin Bezel Cult™ acolytes are the very same people who whine constantly that their laptop is for serious work and that it is not a fashion statement or an art piece and that Apple is spending too much time on the look of their computers.

Agree or Disagree?

Depends. I’d say “disagree” from my point of view, but I don’t really care about the bezels as such, what I do care about is a larger screen in a laptop that is the same size. (Or even better, the same size screen in a smaller laptop.)

 

[beanbaguk]

Amen to that.

You say that as if it were a good thing....and it isn't.... 🤦‍♂️