Is the Macbook right for me?

[PaulyB80]

Need a new laptop asap and wondering what the consensus is on the Macbook now it's been out for a year...

I really want a laptop in the truest sense of the word - one I can use with maximum comfort, on the sofa, in bed, occasionally when travelling. I have a late 2013 iMac that's been a joy to own, no going back to Windows for me thanks very much.

The use for the laptop will be word processing / spotify / internet browsing / occasional streaming video. It may be on occasion I'd want to run Photoshop or Unity 3D on the go, but if the work got particularly heavy I'd save it for the desktop.

So, I'm looking at Macbook vs Air vs Pro.

I'd say the screen vetos the Air, otherwise that would have been my choice. The Pro may be overpowered for my regular needs but if the weight and heat are not much different, and if the extra bit of real estate on the 13" screen makes a significant difference, then it seems to potentially be better value overall (though more expensive when factoring in a 256GB ssd).

So... leaning towards the Macbook - so, other that it being overpriced, any other issues I should be aware of?

Thanks!

 

[georginamac]

Need a new laptop asap and wondering what the consensus is on the Macbook now it's been out for a year...

I really want a laptop in the truest sense of the word - one I can use with maximum comfort, on the sofa, in bed, occasionally when travelling. I have a late 2013 iMac that's been a joy to own, no going back to Windows for me thanks very much.

The use for the laptop will be word processing / spotify / internet browsing / occasional streaming video. It may be on occasion I'd want to run Photoshop or Unity 3D on the go, but if the work got particularly heavy I'd save it for the desktop.

So, I'm looking at Macbook vs Air vs Pro.

I'd say the screen vetos the Air, otherwise that would have been my choice. The Pro may be overpowered for my regular needs but if the weight and heat are not much different, and if the extra bit of real estate on the 13" screen makes a significant difference, then it seems to potentially be better value overall (though more expensive when factoring in a 256GB ssd).

So... leaning towards the Macbook - so, other that it being overpriced, any other issues I should be aware of?

Thanks!

Size and weight and Retina screen are terrific....8 GB of RAM is a negative...hope the new one will have 12...up from 8. Screen size not a problem. I love mine, but would love it more with more RAM.

 

[deeddawg]

Weight difference between rMB and rMBP13 is about 1.5lb -- 2lb vs 3.5lb. IMHO that's pretty significant.
Size wise, my rMB fits in the tablet pocket of my backpack.

Both can drive the screen at a simulated 1440x900 which I find gives adequate real estate even if the rMB's version is slightly physically smaller. I transitioned from a MBA13 and haven't found the screen to seem any smaller unless they're side by side.

IMHO as a secondary computer the rMB is a great choice.

8GB memory is fine for most people. Careful what you read on the internet, you have some real power users who don't always envision that others needs may not match theirs. Check your own memory usage since you have a mac and see what you're using in normal usage. For example, right now with a few things open Activity Monitor is claiming 5GB in use and a whopping 3MB of swap used. Memory pressure is very low and green.

 

[PaulyB80]

Weight difference between rMB and rMBP13 is about 1.5lb -- 2lb vs 3.5lb. IMHO that's pretty significant.
Size wise, my rMB fits in the tablet pocket of my backpack.

Both can drive the screen at a simulated 1440x900 which I find gives adequate real estate even if the rMB's version is slightly physically smaller. I transitioned from a MBA13 and haven't found the screen to seem any smaller unless they're side by side.

IMHO as a secondary computer the rMB is a great choice.

8GB memory is fine for most people. Careful what you read on the internet, you have some real power users who don't always envision that others needs may not match theirs. Check your own memory usage since you have a mac and see what you're using in normal usage. For example, right now with a few things open Activity Monitor is claiming 5GB in use and a whopping 3MB of swap used. Memory pressure is very low and green.

Looks like I'm running similar memory usage in normal use on my iMac. I can see how a bit more available could be preferable for the MacBook, but shouldn't be a major issue for me if I use it as intended.

I suppose rather than wait on a Pro redesign for the sake of having extra power that I *might* one day need, the MacBook sounds a good fit. I'll get myself down to the store for a hands on with the keyboard!

 

[deeddawg]

Yes, do check out the keyboard, but also remember it feels different standing over it than sitting with it. Some take to it, and I'll say I'm finding it takes a little getting used to... but I don't foresee any issue for me personally.

When you go check one out, bring your MBA along for comparison. It's really surprising how much lighter and smaller the rMB feels when you have the two in each hand.

 

[lparsons21]

I went from a 13" rMBP to the rMB around the holidays. Almost all the computing I do these days is while in the recliner. The rMB fits that great. Nice size, great screen and very light.

The 8Gb/256Gb configuration offered is a sweet spot I think for those that would find the rMB a jewel. Enough ram and storage for non-power users which fits in with using a Core-M processor.

I do all the usual 'net things, video streams and recordings, Sibelius music engraving and some very light photo and video work. All work just fine. I don't regret switching to the smaller, lighter box at all.

 

[AFEPPL]

If you want small and portable, rMB, if you want more power and ports it has to be the rMBP.
Both are more than powerful enough for everyday tasks.

 

[deeddawg]

If you want small and portable, rMB, if you want more power and ports it has to be the rMBP.
Both are more than powerful enough for everyday tasks.

This is a good way of putting it. The two are aimed at different goals. Someone choosing between them ought to consider which direction their needs are more aligned with; portability or ports&power.

 

[PaulyB80]

This is a good way of putting it. The two are aimed at different goals. Someone choosing between them ought to consider which direction their needs are more aligned with; portability or ports&power.

Thank you all for the replies! Very helpful

 

[zhenya]

It sounds like the rMB would be perfect for you. Make no mistake, the size and form factor makes it a fundamentally different kind of computer to use than a MBP. It slips into your bag like an iPad, and is a small enough footprint to comfortably take out in almost any location.

I would, however, highly suggest you get Applecare with it as this is a first generation device that has not been thoroughly reliable for me yet. So far I've had the logic board replaced and it's about to go back for a new keyboard. Truthfully though, I'd give this same advice for buying any Mac laptop short of perhaps the cheapest Air.