Help me choose....

[waxisthebest1]

As the title states, help me choose which to buy.
I have a Mid 2012 MacBook Pro 13" that I have upgraded to 16gb ram and 500gb SSD.
I am interested in buying a new tbMBP. I have always had a 13" but am not afraid of the 15". In a perfect world, I would get a 13" with 512gb ssd and 16gb ram but that is a bto option and I would rather walk in and get what I want.

I think I want 16gb ram but that only leaves a 15" to walk in and get. I can live with 256gb ssd as I will take out the 500gb ssd from the old one and get an enclosure.
I also have a Thunderbolt display. So would I need a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 cable to use it?

I will not use it for any heavy tasks.

What should I get and why? And what other cables/hubs would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[jft94]

If you're dead set on getting a new machine in general, I would just spring for the 15". I went from the exact model you have (minus the upgrades) to the new 15" and I am in love with it.

Sounds like your machine is still more than capable, but if you're just wanting to get a new machine for the hell of it, get the 15".

 

[SilverVito]

Can't help you decide, but I can say, I went from a 2013 13" base model and wanted 16gb and a bigger screen/track pad, so went for the 15" base model.

I am not into gaming and also do not use it for any heavy tasks. It is far and away above what I need and even though I bought it through my business (which makes it considerably cheaper), it is an extremely expensive laptop.

I really do like it, but if you think you could get by with 8gb (as you don't use for any heavy tasks) and the 15" is not your first choice, the 13" might be kinder on your pocket.

It's never an easy decision with something this expensive, but what is easy, is to overspend. If you don't need it, try not to buy it.

Can't help you on the cables/hub question, but hope you are satisfied with what you eventually buy.

 

[chriscrowlee]

It's really a personal choice. I went with 13" after having a 13" ... was set on buying the 15" but then tried it out for a bit in the store and realized the 15" really is still a BIG footprint, albeit smaller than previous 15s.

If you ever want to use it in coach on an airplane, 15" is NOT for you. IF you're just going to use it at home as a desktop replacement, maybe it's a good idea.

But make no mistake, the 15" is a significantly larger computer than the 13" regardless of those who will say "it's very thin and light" ...

 

[MrGuder]

If you have good eyes and enjoy reading and viewing on small size get the 13" if not get the 15" for a better overall experience or do what most people do on here order both and sent one back, everyone sends stuff back to Apple lol. It's no wonder there refurb isn't stocked more considering all the people on here that return stuff.

 

[dillonm]

I've always gone with the 13" MacBook Pro. Decided to give the 15" a try when they introduced the touch bar this year. I just returned it for a 13" and am WAY happier now. Although the 15" is thin and light, its just far too big for me.

 

[Indydenny]

Love to hear more pros and cons on the sizes.

 

[thesaint024]

As others have said, this really depends on how mobile you will be with it or want to be with it. It is a significant difference between the two as far as everyday carry-ability. If you care to use it often on the couch or in a plane or just in your backpack, 13" is definitely easier. One lb and extra inches don't seem like much, but they are when you are picking up and putting down frequently. 15" is a bigger screen so some may need or prefer the real estate or larger fonts. Also if it's going to be sitting on your desk 95% of the time, it doesn't matter too much. I like to use my MBP in my living room at times, and I do travel so the 13" is a big difference. I always err on taking the laptop now, whereas with a bigger laptop, I always debated how much I needed the computer (vs. ipad). I definitely prefer a computer over an ipad for my work.

 

[jeyf]

the new MBP's have gotten only moderate reviews and they are very expensive. If you can hold off on your purchase and wait for a hardware update do it.

-all of the new MBP's are very lite and portable, mute point because their battery life is short
-the touch bar and or larger track pad will not add to your overall experience
-do the research when buying the Thunder Bolt cables for your video, it may not work as expected
-you can not remove replace the SSD in the new MBP's. Get a 1TB SSD to accommodate future software bloat.
-an iPad lacks a file manager

over all i would skip over the current MPB and keep what you got
either way best of luck

 

[MH01]

Only you can decide OP.

My only advice would be , hold off to the update. In my opinion the current MacBook Pro was rushed to meet the Xmas shopping window , with skylake and unfounded rumours of a fallback battery solution. And his is coming from an owner to the first 2012 redesign, the following update usually fixes rev a issues and benefits from a price drop.

If you need one now though, it's academic

 

[pshifrin]

In a perfect world, I would get a 13" with 512gb ssd and 16gb ram but that is a bto option and I would rather walk in and get what I want.

Apple Retail stores carry the 13 inch with the upgraded 3.3ghz processor, 16gb ram and 512 ssd. It's not listed on the website, but they do have them. You have to walk in and ask. That's the exact model I'm currently using and I purchased it on launch day, in a store.
[doublepost=1483965127][/doublepost]You can also get one overnight. B&H has 6, 13 inch models in stock with 16gb of ram and 512gb or 1tb SSD.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/sear...3+3603245432+4176334916+4276734503+4294948897

 

[k2743]

As the title states, help me choose which to buy.
I have a Mid 2012 MacBook Pro 13" that I have upgraded to 16gb ram and 500gb SSD.
I am interested in buying a new tbMBP. I have always had a 13" but am not afraid of the 15". In a perfect world, I would get a 13" with 512gb ssd and 16gb ram but that is a bto option and I would rather walk in and get what I want.

I think I want 16gb ram but that only leaves a 15" to walk in and get. I can live with 256gb ssd as I will take out the 500gb ssd from the old one and get an enclosure.
I also have a Thunderbolt display. So would I need a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 cable to use it?

I will not use it for any heavy tasks.

What should I get and why? And what other cables/hubs would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for the advice!

If I were you I really would just be patient and order whatever suits you online. It's not much longer to wait considering how long you'll be keeping the machine for. Order a 13 inch with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, either touch bar or non touch bar. I went for 16GB/512GB on the non touch bar model because I want good battery life and I find the touch bar a bit gimmicky. Why can't you just wait?