Macbook m5 vs 13in Pro (base)

[AltecX]

Hey, all.

It's been a while since I've owned a Mac and I'm thinking of picking one up again. I know the pros for getting the 13in Pro over the MacBook, but that are the reasons to get the MB over the MBP?

Is it primarily just size/weight? If so then I feel like getting the MBP may be the better deal. I don't need over 256GB of storage so if I could configure the m5 MB to have that and be cheaper then I would.

Is there anything that I've not factored into my thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[nfl46]

Overall, the Macbook Pro is a better option if you were to buy new; however, here are a few reasons to get the MB over the MBP:

1) Price - you can get a mint/used 2016 MB for under $1,000...but if you are buying new, then you can ignore this one.
2) Weight - the MB is ultraportable and really small
3) No fan nose

I was able to order a mint 2015 Macbook for $650, with only 41 battery cycles. In my case, I got a steal. The 2016 13" Macbook Pro (base) was not worth double the price for me.

 

[AltecX]

Thanks for the feedback. I used to buy used a lot but I've been burned on it a couple times so I've just decided that I'll play it "safe" this time.

I played with both at BestBuy yesterday and didn't notice much of a weight difference when holding them, but they were on different tables so it wasn't side-by-side.

I'm starting to lean towards the Pro, I think the bit more CPU/GPU grunt and the 1 extra port are enough to really put me over on it. If the MB was cheaper I'd likely just go with it. It's a shame they didn't give it 2 USB-C ports.

 

[nfl46]

Thanks for the feedback. I used to buy used a lot but I've been burned on it a couple times so I've just decided that I'll play it "safe" this time.

I played with both at BestBuy yesterday and didn't notice much of a weight difference when holding them, but they were on different tables so it wasn't side-by-side.

I'm starting to lean towards the Pro, I think the bit more CPU/GPU grunt and the 1 extra port are enough to really put me over on it. If the MB was cheaper I'd likely just go with it. It's a shame they didn't give it 2 USB-C ports.

Ahh, you're buying new, then there's really no reason to chose the Macbook over the MacBook Pro. The MBP is definitely the better choice.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Thanks for the feedback. I used to buy used a lot but I've been burned on it a couple times so I've just decided that I'll play it "safe" this time.

I played with both at BestBuy yesterday and didn't notice much of a weight difference when holding them, but they were on different tables so it wasn't side-by-side.

I'm starting to lean towards the Pro, I think the bit more CPU/GPU grunt and the 1 extra port are enough to really put me over on it. If the MB was cheaper I'd likely just go with it. It's a shame they didn't give it 2 USB-C ports.

Do not underestimate the portability of the rMB even around the home you will find new ways to use it

Try holding both from one corner between thumb and index finger with the lid open the MBP is 50% heavier

The rMB is all about form factor and not specs compared to MBP

I also note external battery supply will be cheaper as will spares/parts should you need them post 3 years with AC

rMB is 2nd gen where MBP is 1st gen and likely upgraded next time at least rMB has gone through one cycle of improvements

You maybe already over spec'ing with the rMB and worse still for the MBP

 

[AltecX]

To be frank, I'm sure you are trying to help but your post sounds like marketing and you trying to validate your own purchase, yhaven'tent provided me really any information or examples to think about.

Your first line just sounds like marketing BS. Please name some ways you can use a MB but not a 13in MBP.

Your second line only really makes sense for people who must be very weak, even the older, heavier, MBP it's no issue to opening the lid while holding it. I use 14in Thinkpads at work and no one has an issue with this or ever asked for a smaller machine because "it's too heavy".

If the MB is about form factor then tell me what situations where you have found a MB's form factor is better than the MBP. Name some, without telling me any then this comment is useless.

Why carry around an external battery? that negates the point of a "50% lighter" machine doesnt it?

Isn't every laptop 'upgraded" on its next revision?

Storage aside, which has no option to change, on the MP how am I possibly over spacing? Both likely meet my needs performance wise, but if the MBP is cheaper or evenly priced, why should I not get it?

I'm not trying to sound mean but your post honestly doesnt help me any.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Really for someone who asks for help to validate a purchase decision you seem rather rude IMO and I therefore I have no real interest in trying to assist you further with such a poor attitude

I gave you an example on how light the rMB feels compared to a heavier laptop by holding in one corner with the lid oped, as you could not differentiate easily

I noted rMB is all about form factor the MBP as you and I have noted is far better specs and probably the better value

As you gave no workflow I have no idea of intended use and many who are on extended trips from power source use additional power banks this may or may not be of concern additionally we have no idea if you are over spec'ing

If you do not subscribe that 2nd gen Laptops are better than 1st because bugs and other short comings are often resolved then that's fine assuming you have considered all the consequences of 1st gen products.

I also noted repairs are likely to be cheaper for the rMB

Therefore I gave you several points in good faith as you seem price conscious I also noted some potential cost savings as had to guess what you had not thought of "Is there anything that I've not factored into my thoughts" which was your question.

You want us to read your mind then get thanks like this when it does not suit you

FYI I have gifted on my rMB's and to accuse me of justifying my purchase and marketing BS is simply bad manners

 

[maerz001]

The MB is 0,4kg lighter and about half as thin at the front which is for me more ergonomic to type on. In Europe 250€ cheaper.
with the MBP you get 1" more screen real estate, one more port and about double CPU power.

whats more important to you?

 

[Queen6]

To be frank, I'm sure you are trying to help but your post sounds like marketing and you trying to validate your own purchase, yhaven'tent provided me really any information or examples to think about.

Your first line just sounds like marketing BS. Please name some ways you can use a MB but not a 13in MBP.

Your second line only really makes sense for people who must be very weak, even the older, heavier, MBP it's no issue to opening the lid while holding it. I use 14in Thinkpads at work and no one has an issue with this or ever asked for a smaller machine because "it's too heavy".

If the MB is about form factor then tell me what situations where you have found a MB's form factor is better than the MBP. Name some, without telling me any then this comment is useless.

Why carry around an external battery? that negates the point of a "50% lighter" machine doesnt it?

Isn't every laptop 'upgraded" on its next revision?

Storage aside, which has no option to change, on the MP how am I possibly over spacing? Both likely meet my needs performance wise, but if the MBP is cheaper or evenly priced, why should I not get it?

I'm not trying to sound mean but your post honestly doesnt help me any.

Asking questions in the real world does not "entitle"one to only get responses you like. If portability is not paramount 13" rMBP is the better solution, equally not without fault. As stated want more detail, provide some indication of planned usage or your just wasting peoples time...

n.b. owning 12", 13" & 15" Retina`s MacBooks

Q-6

 

[Zazoh]

Hey, all.

It's been a while since I've owned a Mac and I'm thinking of picking one up again. I know the pros for getting the 13in Pro over the MacBook, but that are the reasons to get the MB over the MBP?

Ultra-portability. I cary this much more than I did my previous 13" and 15" MBPs. It is actually my favorite Apple device I've ever owned, and I own a lot.

 

[BeatCrazy]

OP, your response above was rather rude!!

I own both the 2016 m3 and 2016 base MBP. They are quite different, mainly from a portability standpoint. The MB still makes me think "wow, how did they make a laptop this small/light?" whereas the MBP just makes me think "very solid good performer".

 

[ofarlig]

Theres a world of difference in portability to be honest. I had loads of 13" MBPs (and the old 13" Macbooks) before I got the 2nd gen 12" MB and I use it completely different. The rMB is way easier to just use on the couch or around the house and it changed my use pattern when I got it. I always fel that the 13" MBP needed to be balanced much more when using it it on not a completely flat surface, think it has to do with the weight.

On trips it is easier to use the 12" MB at airports and whatnot than the 13" MBP was, it is small enough that you can just open it up wherever without it feeling like a hassle, something I did not feel with was the case with the 13" MBP.

 

[ascender]

The new MBP is more powerful, has more ports and a bigger screen as well as the TB (hardly a must-have feature as things stand).

The MB is very portable for a fully-functioned laptop, but the new MBP is more akin to the MBA in terms of footprint and size.

Not sure there's much else to say really, but the MB is a really nice laptop to use if you don't need the power of a MBP for anything really intensive.

 

[KPOM]

To be frank, I'm sure you are trying to help but your post sounds like marketing and you trying to validate your own purchase, yhaven'tent provided me really any information or examples to think about.

Your first line just sounds like marketing BS. Please name some ways you can use a MB but not a 13in MBP.

Your second line only really makes sense for people who must be very weak, even the older, heavier, MBP it's no issue to opening the lid while holding it. I use 14in Thinkpads at work and no one has an issue with this or ever asked for a smaller machine because "it's too heavy".

I have both the 12" MacBook and the 13" with the Touch Bar. There is a noticeable difference in weight side by side. If you frequently travel with 2 notebooks (e.g. if you take your work Thinkpad and your Mac with you when traveling), the extra pound can make a difference.

Also, there have been some frequent specials on the m5 model, in anticipation of a Kaby Lake model later this month or next month. Kaby Lake makes a bigger difference on the low voltage models, so potentially a Kaby Lake MacBook would perform very similarly to the base MacBook Pro (they are already fairly close - my 13" TB model is noticeably faster at scanning/OCR but very similar on other tasks).

 

[lixuelai]

IMO the MB works better if you already have a more powerful Mac or Windows PC and need it only for ultra portability. As an only machine the MBP 13 is probably better. That said though even the base MB is pretty fast for most usage. I just bought one and it doesn't feel much worse than my MBP 15 in daily usage.