Keep or return 2020 MBP

[Jarousin]

Hi everyone! I just received my 13" 2020 MBP 10th gen i5 $1799 model (paid $1699) as an upgrade from my 2018 i5 512gb (the old $1999 model). I absolutely love the keyboard but after using it for a few hours, I feel like it isn't much of an upgrade from my 2018 model, minus the keyboard.

I just had the keyboard replaced on my 2018 in April so I have a fresh keyboard, trackpad, and battery. I do like the idea of 16gb of RAM, but Apple is only giving me $780 trade-in credit. I was going to try to sell the 2018 on eBay, but do y'all think it's worth it? Should I just keep the 2018 for another year or two and return the 2020?

I use my computer for Office apps and have lots of windows open at once. The extra RAM would be nice since there have been times my 2018 feels slightly slow but it's never been that bad...

What would y'all do in this situation??? Is the keyboard and RAM worth it? Even if I sell my 2018 model for $1100, which might be a stretch, I'm still spending $6-700 more for the 2020.

 

[leminhhien]

In case of me having a MBA Early 2015, upgrading to MBP 2020 with a new keyboard could be considered as a major upgrade but if I already had a MBP 2018 I would not. The performance lag between the 2 models is not so high and with current daily usage, your MBP still make you happy, there is no reason for you to upgrade it. If I were you, I would wait for 14 inch miniLED display.

 

[scoblep]

Generally speaking computers last longer than 2 years. It probably just isn’t a large enough upgrade to warrant it. Unless you’re Really doing something on the machine that takes full advantage of the added power it would be hard to justify upgrading from a 2018. I I’d hold on to the 2018 until the 14 inch model/redesign comes out

 

[LFC2020]

Return it and wait for the 14 inch redesign.

 

[ctjack]

To be honest, you did a great job by going higher end in 2018. That year was a huge upgrade for MBP 13.
Reasons:
1) You bought the first quad core MBP 13 inch.
2) When you paid premium for above base, you got "best bang for buck", because base model was dual core nTB MBP 2017.
3) Your benchmark scores is on par with the latest MBP 13 2020. It is very good for you and not good for us. Because it is telling us that technology is not moving at all.
4) At this moment you've been enjoying it for 2.5 years, while others only buy similar performance 2020 model only now, just to see it becoming old in 2 years.

So you only lose in keyboard, but who cares if you are covered for 4 years. If i were you then i would keep it for another 2 years and upgrade later.

 

[coffeeplease]

I'd return it. Few years down the line, you can get the newest shiny MBP that would actually be different.

 

[Jarousin]

Thank you all for the feedback. I guess the keyboard and RAM just doesn't justify the amount I'll have to spend to upgrade. I hate to return it but seems like waiting for a 14" is the best move.
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[Mike Boreham]

I often find myself struggling with 'heart' (I want it) vs 'head' (I need it) decisions. This sounds like one in your case.

My head says don't upgrade until at least one of the following is true:

-existing machine has broken
-existing machine cannot run latest OS or software
-my needs change.
-new alternative is overwhelmingly better

The last is a bit subjective but I am thinking on scale of Retina vs pre-Retina, or doubling of speed.

My head has to tell my heart that by the time I need a new computer there will something even better than the one I want now.

After these little arguments between my head and my heart my wallet is happy, but sometimes I give in to ? when a "unique" bargain crops up, or when I convince myself a family member could really use my current machine.

 

[maflynn]

I feel like it isn't much of an upgrade from my 2018 model, minus the keyboard.

The 2020 MBP is a spec update with a better keyboard. If you're comfortable with the butterfly keyboard, then I would return the current machine and wait for a future model that has more significant updates.

 

[Marinier]

I understand you well. I am trying to convince myself that I DO NOT need NOW to sell (for 1100-1300 USD max) my MBP13 2019 8RAM/256SSD (model MV992) to buy the new base high MBP13 2020 16RAM/512SSD (MWP72) or even the base MBP16 2019 16 RAM. Both options (here in Ukraine) are now starting from the same price point of 2400 USD, which is kinda crazy for the new MBP13 and good enough for MBP16, but both too pricy just to prove the need of 8gb more of that damn RAM. My workflow does not require more than the integrated GPU offers. Each my last 2 MACs I struggle with baseline RAM amount only( Have never had any other complaints. Always was ok for years with CPU/GPU of every MAC.

Buying in 2012 a MacBook Air 2012 with base 4gb of RAM I was a little concerned about getting 8gb model for future proof. But living here in Ukraine (where not a single Apple Store was opened till this day) the difference between the base 13 inches and any custom ones (like more ram in 13 inches air) is usually crazy high. It is smarter to go with 15 inches base anytime you need a custom 13 inches PRO or even AIR. MacBook Air 2012 8RAM was too close to the 15 inches 8RAM base (with was too much for my wallet at that time). So, I bought the base 13 inches air and was quite happy until 2019, where my tasks on Mojave encountered the only bottleneck - 4gb of RAM. I searched the web and found in 2019 the same situation as in 2012: baseline 13 inches 2,4 gHz MacBook Pro (this time I decided to go at least with 4 cores, so chosen the Pro line) have 8gb of RAM, but it was new 4gb RAM situation if to compare to 2012. Any custom with 16 RAM was equal to baseline 15 inches MacBook Pro already equipped with 16 gb of RAM, but again too pricy. In September 2019 I went with base 13 MacBook Pro equipped with 8 gb of RAM.

Guess what(( For now it encounter its limits of 8gb just in some situations, but I get I will feel it as a real bottleneck within several years to come. I wish I waited for 16 inches in October 2019 or knew about the new 16gb base for higher MacBook Pro 13 in 2020. RAM soldered to logic board and needed to choose within the initial purchase makes Apple MacBooks so big pain in the **s.

Now I just hope to see a new 16 inches 2020 with new base 32RAM (I hope it will be this way this year), 10th gen CPU. In that situation I'll be able to justify the sell of my 2019 13 MBP for the purchase of the 16 inches base model as really long-term (6-7 years).

 

[lobo1978]

If I were you I would return it.

I have been in very similar situation but with 16" 2019 vs 15" 2017. Decided to return 16" and stay with 2017 15". I have to add that after 3 years Apple replaced everything but logic board - left with brand new 2017.

 

[Appledoesnotlisten]

If I were you I would return it.

I have been in very similar situation but with 16" 2019 vs 15" 2017. Decided to return 16" and stay with 2017 15". I have to add that after 3 years Apple replaced everything but logic board - left with brand new 2017.

I am in a similar situation. I have returned a 16" and am now living with two 2017 15". I like the 2017 ones, but would appreciate 32 Gb and a more powerful GPU. I tried a 2018 15", but returned it because 6 cores made it too hot.

As a result, I consider buying a 2019 15" with 32Gb and Vega - it's supposed to have better thermals. Do you think that such a configuration will stay as cool as my 2017 15" with 2 external 4K displays?

 

[KPOM]

Thank you all for the feedback. I guess the keyboard and RAM just doesn't justify the amount I'll have to spend to upgrade. I hate to return it but seems like waiting for a 14" is the best move.
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Your 2018 was a great model. I think Apple is assuming their core audience are people who either really hate the butterfly keyboard, or those owning dual core MacBooks. Unless you need the higher graphics, your 2018 model should be sufficient for a few more years, and whatever is new then will be better than the 2020.

Don’t worry too much about returning it. A few months from now, someone will be buying it from the Apple Refurb store for $1529.

 

[jeme]

I am in the same boat - thinking of going from 2018 2.7 Quad Core i7 w 16GB Ram and 1TB HD to:

2020 2.0 Quad Core i5 with 16GB Ram and 1 TB HD. So I get better keyboard (have had not issues with the old Keyboard) and faster RAM - I have heard rumors about better speakers, also better speakers.

About $800 upgrade for me as well. Old machine has Apple care until 2/15/2022. I would get Apple Care for the new unit.

Trying to decide. Have not opened the new machine yet, I did get it. Ugh

 

[faust]

Personally, I recommend y'all keep or get the 2020 redesign. There is naught but rumors that a 14" redesign was coming because the 16" naturally increased the screen size, so general idea was that the 13" would be bumped to a 14". And it just might, but that's next year around this time, and tbh the butterfly switch keyboard really is not good. The whole thermal design of the previous Macbook Pro releases were subpar, and I think it's better to get what you want right now as opposed to waiting for a potential bump to 14" next year.

Do what you think is best, but you're really not missing much. I actually returned my original 16" back in late January, and bought the 2020 MBA when it came out, and then I was like, "hmm, I miss the 16" MBP! I'll give this MBA to my elderly housemate and grab myself another 16" MBP!" and things have been good since. I know it's hard to settle on something though. Objectively, if you are fine with a potential keyboard failure before the 2021 13-14" MBP comes out, keep the 2018.

 

[Mattie12345]

It is hard especially when you like the newer machine but something inside you tells you that there is no tipping point to make you feel you made a worthwhile purchase. It’s like buying a pair of shoes and the moment they hit the ground......

If money is not an issue, I’d sell the old one and keep the new 2020 MBP.

I don’t usually splurge but I think if I had the $$$, why not.

 

[Mike Boreham]

Old machine has Apple care until 2/15/2022. I would get Apple Care for the new unit.

Just checking that you know you can get refunded for Applecare pro rata for cover remaining, so that doesn't need to be a factor.

 

[UBS28]

Hi everyone! I just received my 13" 2020 MBP 10th gen i5 $1799 model (paid $1699) as an upgrade from my 2018 i5 512gb (the old $1999 model). I absolutely love the keyboard but after using it for a few hours, I feel like it isn't much of an upgrade from my 2018 model, minus the keyboard.

I just had the keyboard replaced on my 2018 in April so I have a fresh keyboard, trackpad, and battery. I do like the idea of 16gb of RAM, but Apple is only giving me $780 trade-in credit. I was going to try to sell the 2018 on eBay, but do y'all think it's worth it? Should I just keep the 2018 for another year or two and return the 2020?

I use my computer for Office apps and have lots of windows open at once. The extra RAM would be nice since there have been times my 2018 feels slightly slow but it's never been that bad...

What would y'all do in this situation??? Is the keyboard and RAM worth it? Even if I sell my 2018 model for $1100, which might be a stretch, I'm still spending $6-700 more for the 2020.

Probably return it. If you are just using Office apps, you can keep using your older 2018 MBP for 5+ years easily.
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The 2020 MBP is a spec update with a better keyboard. If you're comfortable with the butterfly keyboard, then I would return the current machine and wait for a future model that has more significant updates.

No it's not. The high-end 13" 2020 MBP is a redesign. You can easily tell with the naked eye if it is a high-end model or not. Only the low-end model is a spec bump (if we ignore the keyboard).

 

[jeme]

Thanks so much everyone, still trying to decide. Great point on pro rated apple care, that is about $125 right there

 

[roflc0pter]

Keep the 2018 and wait for the 14” that is rumored for next year

 

[jeme]

Also thinking about picking up a used 12 inch MacBook. That is what I want is portability, but it is so close to the iPad 11 inch with Magic Keyboard. I guess I am all over the road, LOL
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I can grab on of those for about $1000

 

[unoporfavor]

If I was me (which I am), I would sell your 2018 MBP privately and keep the new model. Personally, the upgrade to the non-butterfly keyboard is worth it on it's own. If anyone actually uses the keyboard to type out documentation and any code - the butterfly keyboard is awful. Obviously if all you're doing is watching movies and browsing mac rumours then it doesn't make much of a difference.
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Probably return it. If you are just using Office apps, you can keep using your older 2018 MBP for 5+ years easily.
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No it's not. The high-end 13" 2020 MBP is a redesign. You can easily tell with the naked eye if it is a high-end model or not. Only the low-end model is a spec bump (if we ignore the keyboard).

5 years with that keyboard?
God why do you hate the man
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If I were you I would return it.

I have been in very similar situation but with 16" 2019 vs 15" 2017. Decided to return 16" and stay with 2017 15". I have to add that after 3 years Apple replaced everything but logic board - left with brand new 2017.

The fact your 2017 has been fixed so many times suggests it's not a great model
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The 2020 MBP is a spec update with a better keyboard. If you're comfortable with the butterfly keyboard, then I would return the current machine and wait for a future model that has more significant updates.

And there's the rub. If you do more than browse websites and watch marvel movies - the keyboard is worth the upgrade on it's own
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To be honest, you did a great job by going higher end in 2018. That year was a huge upgrade for MBP 13.
Reasons:
1) You bought the first quad core MBP 13 inch.
2) When you paid premium for above base, you got "best bang for buck", because base model was dual core nTB MBP 2017.
3) Your benchmark scores is on par with the latest MBP 13 2020. It is very good for you and not good for us. Because it is telling us that technology is not moving at all.
4) At this moment you've been enjoying it for 2.5 years, while others only buy similar performance 2020 model only now, just to see it becoming old in 2 years.

So you only lose in keyboard, but who cares if you are covered for 4 years. If i were you then i would keep it for another 2 years and upgrade later.

haha "you only lose the keyboard" -- mate it's the worst keyboard EVER.

Full disclosure - I just ate the next years depreciation on a 2018 MBP 15" and sold it privately. Couldn't wait to get rid of the keyboard! It was also too large, so my requirements changed but still

 

[edubfromktown]

Also thinking about picking up a used 12 inch MacBook. That is what I want is portability, but it is so close to the iPad 11 inch with Magic Keyboard. I guess I am all over the road, LOL
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I can grab on of those for about $1000

The 12 inch is a nice machine; assuming you get one with a decent keyboard (or warranty replaced).

I had a 2017 i7/512/16 that was quite snappy, ridiculously light/portable and had awesome battery run time.

The resale prices were just starting to go <$1k on them and I figured it was better to take that and apply it toward a 2020. My primary reason for upgrading was that while I have the disposable income to do it, might as well get something that can last 4-5 years from now. I'm not optimistic about what looms on the economic horizon, my employment prospects, etc.

You may be able to get a 12" for closer to $800 if you watch closely (on eBay at least). I waited too long on my 15" MBP in that regard- at the end of 2019 they were going for ~$1200. I got closer to $800 for it a few months later.

 

[jeme]

Agreed trying to find one with 512 GB drive and 16 MB RSM too.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Hi Jarousin,
I live in Eastern Europe myself, so I feel your pain.
We have the 2018 Macbook Pro 13'' in our office and the keyboard had to be replaced 3 times.
The jury is still out on the last replacement.
So, it is up to how lucky you are with the kb.
For some it works, for others not.