Macbook or Macbook Pro for writing?

[drtabbat]

So, I am trying to decide between the macbook and the new macbook pro. Here are the basics:

I am a professional writer. I mainly use my laptop for writing, which usually means having final draft, microsoft word, iTunes and safari all running at the same time. I need to be able to store music and photos, but I do not do any heavy editing or programming.

Battery life is not really much of a consideration, as I usually leave my laptop plugged in while working. Screen size is also not really an issue between the two options, as I am not interested in a 15" macbook pro. I am currently working off a 2009 13" macbook pro, so would go for another 13". Is there a huge difference between the 13" pro and the 12" macbook? It seems the macbook's keyboard is more cramped and that slightly concerns me (though I have not personally tested it out yet). Portability is somewhat of a consideration, but I've been hauling my old pro around so I don't think it would make a huge difference to me at this point.

Storage/memory is important -- I do use some external hard drives/the cloud, but I like having my files on my laptop, ready to go when I need them.

A concern I have with the macbook is the lack of ports. I like to charge my phone via my laptop while working, but it has ONE port, which I would be using to charge the laptop itself most of the time. Yes, I realize there are accessories to buy for this, but would find it irritating to haul around adaptors for something so simple. Another concern is having the latest and greatest hardware. My fear is regretting purchasing the macbook to find it feels outdated in a year or two -- since my laptop is such a huge part of my work, I need it to last more than a few years.

So, to sum up, I feel like for my basic, daily usage, the macbook makes more sense, but the port problems, possible keyboard/sizing issue and hardware make me lean towards the macbook pro. Any advice? Ideally would like to purchase something at the end of the year. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Zazoh]

I went from a 15 inch MBP to the MacBook; I'm already used to the screen size. My wife has a 13 inch MBP and they are very similar in size.

The keyboard is full size on the MacBook, they just really shrunk the case around it but it is the same size as the other. The keys themselves will not travel as far down on a press as they do with the MacBook you have now. It will take some getting used to.

The portability of it is fantastic. The iPhone charger is so small, why not carry around both, or get the dongle that allows both? Yes, it is one more thing to carry, but they really are pretty small.

I had the luxury of going the store and seeing various models side-by-side, I thought the 12 would be too small, it wasn't and that is what I ended up with. I'm not saying it will be right for you, but it was for me.

 

[BeatCrazy]

You should probably test them both out in-store. The lightness of the 12" model may encourage you to write in places/ways you never thought before.

 

[Ace2617]

I'm also a writer. When I was upgrading from my MacBook Air earlier this year, I wanted a 13" rMBP, but also considered the MacBook due to its thinness. But when I went to an Apple store to check it out, I just didn't like the keyboard. I'm sure I would've adapted to it, but the 2015 MBP keyboard was much better, and the screen is a bit bigger. I love the look of the MacBook, but ultimately I wasn't sold on the keyboard. As BeatCrazy said, I also suggest you check out the MacBook in a store to see if it would work for you.

 

[fisherking]

i do a lot of writing on my 12" MB (as well as some photo editing); generally running pages or final draft, 12-15 pages open in safari; mail, calendar, notes, messages... plus itunes or spotify. it's been amazing, really, and am happy.

i work often at my local coffeebar, and never bring the AC cable, the battery life is really good. but i have this (which could work for you, or something like it:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AFR8PW2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

the funny thing for me is... now, when i go back to my 2015 macbook pro (for mostly audio work), THAT keyboard seems weird. give it a day, a week... and you'll be fine on the MB...

 

[HardBall]

So, I am trying to decide between the macbook and the new macbook pro. Here are the basics:

I am a professional writer. I mainly use my laptop for writing, which usually means having final draft, microsoft word, iTunes and safari all running at the same time. I need to be able to store music and photos, but I do not do any heavy editing or programming.

The 12" has been my daily driver for a while. I'm a computer engineer, so I probably use the keyboard about as much as you do. A lot of ssh terminals, IDE, some lightweight ISA-level simulators, and sometimes lightweight VLSI tools. It's about perfect for my needs, as I have remote systems that I can readily access for the heavy lifting.

The KB took about 2 weeks to get used to; I actually can type on there faster now than on my previous rMBP 13". The throw is shallow, you just need to adapt to not pounding on the keyboarding, but release as soon as you feel the click. I think vast majority of the people will get very used to it in 2-3 weeks. It feels better for my wrist, less tiring overall. The one area that is not ideal is actually fingertips; your finger-tips, the area just below your nails will feel somewhat sore after a long typing session as compared to the traditional KBs; so there are good and bad.

Battery life is not really much of a consideration, as I usually leave my laptop plugged in while working. Screen size is also not really an issue between the two options, as I am not interested in a 15" macbook pro. I am currently working off a 2009 13" macbook pro, so would go for another 13". Is there a huge difference between the 13" pro and the 12" macbook? It seems the macbook's keyboard is more cramped and that slightly concerns me (though I have not personally tested it out yet). Portability is somewhat of a consideration, but I've been hauling my old pro around so I don't think it would make a huge difference to me at this point.

Battery life is great. If you don't use high-throughput applications that pin CPU cores to high, then by far the largest drain would be the screen. As long as you turn the screen on at reasonable brightness (I use about 30%, which is plenty bright for most indoors use, maybe upto 50% outdoors); it would easily last you through a work-day.

Storage/memory is important -- I do use some external hard drives/the cloud, but I like having my files on my laptop, ready to go when I need them.

I would highly recommend that you pick up one of the higher end last gen models for that purpose, much more bang for the buck in terms of storage.

A concern I have with the macbook is the lack of ports. I like to charge my phone via my laptop while working, but it has ONE port, which I would be using to charge the laptop itself most of the time. Yes, I realize there are accessories to buy for this, but would find it irritating to haul around adaptors for something so simple. Another concern is having the latest and greatest hardware. My fear is regretting purchasing the macbook to find it feels outdated in a year or two -- since my laptop is such a huge part of my work, I need it to last more than a few years.

I have never really missed ports; then I again, everything I have is either on a remote host, or in the cloud. So your mileage may vary. I would just buy one of those multi-port adaptors with USB-C pass-through, and put it on the desk that you use the most often; I'm sure it won't be an issue most of the time. At worse, you carry a multi-port adaptor in your bag, there some quite decent ones for a reasonable price, e.g.: https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type...qid=1480118493&sr=8-16&keywords=macbook+usb-c

So, to sum up, I feel like for my basic, daily usage, the macbook makes more sense, but the port problems, possible keyboard/sizing issue and hardware make me lean towards the macbook pro. Any advice? Ideally would like to purchase something at the end of the year. Thanks in advance for your help!

Yeah, for writing, 12" MB definitely makes the most sense; as long as you are OK with the KB.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I think given your modest requirements and that both systems will require dongles having the extra ports will be of little consequence and similar for battery life there would be only a small advantage with the base MBP

I think your biggest concern is of the 2 which KB is the best for your needs, both have relatively short travel compared to previous MBP/MBA etc the new MBP is slightly longer travel but many have noted it as being somewhat louder/clicky

Additionally depending on your typing posture the MBP reach over the larger trackpad my also be less comfortable for you

If you can live with the rMB KB I think the portability will trump many other aspects that are relatively neutral for your usage and the $ savings can be put in to larger SSD that has a higher priority.

 

[tom vilsack]

I have to wonder what typing on these "butterfly" keyboards will do to hands and fingers over a long period of time?

 

[fisherking]

I have to wonder what typing on these "butterfly" keyboards will do to hands and fingers over a long period of time?

as opposed to what? you could ask the same thing of the previous macbook pro keyboards. the best protection for your hands and fingers would be to not type at all (and wear steel gloves the rest of the time...)

 

[zhenya]

I think you might be surprised at how much lighter and smaller the rMB is compared to what you are carrying around now. It's a full 1.5lbs lighter, which with the rMB at just 2lbs means its nearly half the weight. It's past that tipping point where the rMB virtually disappears into the weight of many bags, and as such, you might be tempted to carry it with you just about everywhere.

The keyboards will take some adapting to - they are no longer soft and squishy like the old models - they are now precise with a pleasant click at actuation, but they require a lighter touch to take advantage of them. Otherwise they will feel very hard.

Either way though you really can't go wrong.

 

[fisherking]

it took me several days to adapt to the MB keyboard, and now love it. the weird thing is now when i work on my (late 2015) macbook pro.. and have to (re)adapt to that keyboard. my fingers get confused...

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

It really depends on your usage pattern. I do have the base m3 but this is NOT my only laptop. I got it for mobility primary. If mobility won't matter I certainly would opt for the 15'' mbp or if I were to be forced to choose just one laptop it certainly would be the 13'' mbp which offer the best balance.

 

[Dick Whitman]

I would definitely get the 13" MBP. For $200 more you get a larger display, more power, more ports, and arguably a more future-proof machine.

 

[Bart Kela]

I strongly suggest that you go to an Apple Store (or similar retailer) and TRY TYPING ON BOTH SYSTEMS.

Personally, I am not a fan of the MacBook's keyboard, I really dislike the feedback/action of the keys. Apple attempted to fix the widely derided MacBook keyboard with revisions to the scissor action keys of the new MacBook Pro, but whether or not you can live with either one is a personal decision.

The aging 13" MacBook Air still has the best keyboard of the three.

In 3-4 years, I will be in the market for a replacement Mac notebook computer and hopefully by that time Apple will have improved the scissor-action keyboard design to the point where it is actually enjoyable to use.

For me, I'm not a writer and don't type as much as you, but I still have strong feelings about the usability of Apple's newer notebook keyboard designs.

Good luck with your purchase decision.

 

[arsimoun]

Have searched and only found a few, outdated threads on this topic. So, I am trying to decide between the macbook and the new macbook pro. Here are the basics:

I am a professional writer. I mainly use my laptop for writing, which usually means having final draft, microsoft word, iTunes and safari all running at the same time. I need to be able to store music and photos, but I do not do any heavy editing or programming.

Battery life is not really much of a consideration, as I usually leave my laptop plugged in while working. Screen size is also not really an issue between the two options, as I am not interested in a 15" macbook pro. I am currently working off a 2009 13" macbook pro, so would go for another 13". Is there a huge difference between the 13" pro and the 12" macbook? It seems the macbook's keyboard is more cramped and that slightly concerns me (though I have not personally tested it out yet). Portability is somewhat of a consideration, but I've been hauling my old pro around so I don't think it would make a huge difference to me at this point.

Storage/memory is important -- I do use some external hard drives/the cloud, but I like having my files on my laptop, ready to go when I need them.

A concern I have with the macbook is the lack of ports. I like to charge my phone via my laptop while working, but it has ONE port, which I would be using to charge the laptop itself most of the time. Yes, I realize there are accessories to buy for this, but would find it irritating to haul around adaptors for something so simple. Another concern is having the latest and greatest hardware. My fear is regretting purchasing the macbook to find it feels outdated in a year or two -- since my laptop is such a huge part of my work, I need it to last more than a few years.

So, to sum up, I feel like for my basic, daily usage, the macbook makes more sense, but the port problems, possible keyboard/sizing issue and hardware make me lean towards the macbook pro. Any advice? Ideally would like to purchase something at the end of the year. Thanks in advance for your help!

[doublepost=1480259012][/doublepost]For better or worse, I, too, make my living pushing words around. To my way of thinking there are only two things that matter to a writer: 1) the screen, and 2) the keyboard.

I'm a fan of larger is better when it comes to screens, but your preference seems to be smaller. Fair enough. See how you like the keyboards. Hardware-wise, pretty much any modern machine will do what a writer needs. Even though it may be heresy around here, I would check out the Windows world, too. Keyboard and screen; the rest is pushing 0s and 01s around really fast. Windows or Apple will do that just fine. See what laptop "speaks" to you most. Good luck with the hunt!

One man's .02

Adam

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I strongly suggest that you go to an Apple Store (or similar retailer) and TRY TYPING ON BOTH SYSTEMS.

Personally, I am not a fan of the MacBook's keyboard, I really dislike the feedback/action of the keys. Apple attempted to fix the widely derided MacBook keyboard with revisions to the scissor action keys of the new MacBook Pro, but whether or not you can live with either one is a personal decision.

The aging 13" MacBook Air still has the best keyboard of the three.

In 3-4 years, I will be in the market for a replacement Mac notebook computer and hopefully by that time Apple will have improved the scissor-action keyboard design to the point where it is actually enjoyable to use.

For me, I'm not a writer and don't type as much as you, but I still have strong feelings about the usability of Apple's newer notebook keyboard designs.

Good luck with your purchase decision.

+1. Try the keyboard in a store. It is the most important factor for you as a writer.

 

[Nick11Mac]

Also suggest trying the keyboards out. If you're near an Apple store, or reseller, check the feel and see what you like.

 

[RobinInOR]

I write alot on my 13" mbp, and do ok on the new keyboard. I also use an external keyboard from my old iMac when I'm at my desk and not travelling. The bag I have also fits the keyboard so if I wanted to take it with me I could without a problem.

 

[theluggage]

So, I am trying to decide between the macbook and the new macbook pro.

Have you thought about a Macbook Air - or is the retina screen important to you? The Air isn't for "power users" but it is starting to look like the zenith of Apple's computer design skills.

Nothing you do is going to make any of Apple's current laptops break a sweat in terms of CPU power or storage (its things like video, pro audio/photo, multiple operating systems or virtual machines that start chomping the gigabytes). If you haven't yet put a SSD in your 2009 MacBook Pro then an Air will still feel like an improvement.

Also - what the last 3 posters said can't be stressed enough: go into a store and try the keyboards. You never know: despite my expectations, I quite liked the new MacBook Pro keyboard - they seemed to have nailed the short-travel key thing - but its going to be very, very subjective.