Resolved Looking for new Macbook

[mrt209]

I am currently using a family member's MacBook Air, but they will be traveling for a while and need to get my own. I have a 2009 Mac Pro and a Gaming Rig, so only need to use it at school, work, and when traveling.

My uses would be:

- Using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Using Eclipse, XCode, Sublime, etc for Coding
- Taking notes
- Watching videos on YouTube
- Watching Movies when traveling

Some things I might do, but probably not since I use my Mac Pro for daily use:

- Use Photoshop
- Edit something in Final Cup Pro
- Record something in Logic Pro
- Run Traktor


Currently I am looking at the 12" MacBook and the 13" MacBook Pro.

What I like about the MacBook is how little it weighs, a big plus for me. I also like that it is fanless. At the same time a fully specked MacBook costs the same as a 13" MacBook Pro entry level. So I am not sure what to do.

Is there a noticeable difference in weight between the two? Would the MacBook be sufficient for what I want to do?

I would keep the mac for 2-3 years.

Thanks

 

[AxiomaticRubric]

Considering your use cases, the MacBook would be just fine.

 

[ZapNZs]

How big of a concern is pricing and what features do you want the most out of the three main lines? (MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro)

How important is battery life?

 

[mrt209]

How big of a concern is pricing and what features do you want the most out of the three main lines? (MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro)

How important is battery life?

Battery life is not really a big issue, 7+ hours and Im ok. Pricing is not an issue. And I do like the weight/portability of the MacBook, but at the same the 13" MacBook Pro gets me a better screen, better CPU, bigger keyboard, etc for the same price. That's why I am torn.

 

[Alphonso1]

I agree the MacBook will likely fit your needs. I would suggest also considering the port situation on the machines. The entry-level 13" MacBook Pro (without touch bar) has 2 USB-C ports (supporting Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps) or USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)), which are faster and more flexible than the single USB 3.1 Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps) on the MacBook. Just the convenience of having that extra port may be worth it.

As you're also concerned about the longevity of the computer, the new MacBook Pros are pretty thin and light, and also have better CPU and GPU, with a fan to kick in if you throw anything hefty at it. This will help the computer last longer for your needs if they grow or you move away from the Mac Pro.

However, the MacBook is dang thin and very light. If portability is more important than ports and power, the MacBook would certainly work for you.

 

[ZapNZs]

Battery life is not really a big issue, 7+ hours and Im ok. Pricing is not an issue. And I do like the weight/portability of the MacBook, but at the same the 13" MacBook Pro gets me a better screen, better CPU, bigger keyboard, etc for the same price. That's why I am torn.

Based on the work you do and the preferences you have, if it were me personally I would opt for the base model 13-inch MacBook Pro without touch bar, with a SSD in either the 256 or 512 size. It's substantially more CPU/GPU capability than the MacBook for the tasks you perform, almost as good a portability, battery life way beyond what you need, and the added flexibility of two Thunderbolt 3/USB 3.1 Gen 2-capable USB-C ports. While the lack of TB3 capability may have minimal effect on your usage, the MacBook's lack of USB 3.1 gen 2 may have significant effects going forward in regards to both external storage and video output devices.

 

[mrt209]

Thanks for the replies. Went with the MacBook Pro 13in. Got it heavily discounted through work so ordered the top spec touch bar option.

 

[DevNull0]

What I like about the MacBook is how little it weighs, a big plus for me. I also like that it is fanless. At the same time a fully specked MacBook costs the same as a 13" MacBook Pro entry level. So I am not sure what to do.

The MBP is 0.07" thicker than the MB. And 3 pounds for the pro vs 2 for the MB. The difference in specs is staggering for a machine that's the same price and size.

Get the Pro. If the 1 lb difference is an issue, do a couple of pushups every morning because you've got bigger issues than a 3 lb computer being too heavy.

Then again, if you get the MB, you'll have plenty of time to exercise while waiting for xcode, photoshop, and logic pro. I leave Final Cut Pro out of the list because you only plan to keep the mac for 2-3 years and it won't be finished spinning its wheels by then.