MacBook Pro 2020 13" Base Model – InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop

[Mejoco_LC475]

As the title really, any thoughts (or experience) on how the MacBook Pro 2020 13" 8th Gen base model (UK £1299) would run occasional InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop while tethered to a 4k External Monitor. Nothing heavy, just general everyday graphic design. This wouldn't be a primary machine, currently use a 2017 5K i7 iMac as main work horse.

My head is telling me to bite the bullet and go for the £1,799 model (10th Gen, 16GB Ram, 512GB, 4 Ports etc.) but I though I'd ask the question here in the hope of some real world feedback on the 13" 8th Gen base model.

 

[coffeeplease]

16GB of RAM will definitely be better for those programs and would last longer before you'd want a new one in my opinion. If the base model RAM upgrade was still $100, I would have suggested you to get that. Do you need the extra storage?

US prices, but same point applies.

• $1299 - 8th gen i5/8/256
• $1499 - 8th gen i5/16/256 (was $1399 2 days ago)
• $1699 - 8th gen i5/16/512 (was $1599 2 days ago)
• $1799 - 10th gen i5/16/512

If you want 512GB storage, it's a no brainer to get the 10th gen model. $1399 for the 16GB upgrade would've been great if you only needed 256GB storage, but now it's $1499 and is not that great of value. I think Apple knows this, and increased the price to push users to the 10th gen base model. The extra $300 gets you a better processor, better graphics performance, double the storage, and 4 TB3 ports (added convenience of charging from either side). The base model with 8GB RAM will also be fine, but I think it's not worth it if you plan on using it for a few years at least. You should also see if there are any sales available in your country.

 

[Mejoco_LC475]

16GB of RAM will definitely be better for those programs and would last longer before you'd want a new one in my opinion. If the base model RAM upgrade was still $100, I would have suggested you to get that. Do you need the extra storage?

US prices, but same point applies.

• $1299 - 8th gen i5/8/256
• $1499 - 8th gen i5/16/256 (was $1399 2 days ago)
• $1699 - 8th gen i5/16/512 (was $1599 2 days ago)
• $1799 - 10th gen i5/16/512

If you want 512GB storage, it's a no brainer to get the 10th gen model. $1399 for the 16GB upgrade would've been great if you only needed 256GB storage, but now it's $1499 and is not that great of value. I think Apple knows this, and increased the price to push users to the 10th gen base model. The extra $300 gets you a better processor, better graphics performance, double the storage, and 4 TB3 ports (added convenience of charging from either side). The base model with 8GB RAM will also be fine, but I think it's not worth it if you plan on using it for a few years at least. You should also see if there are any sales available in your country.

This is pretty much my thinking too. I'm in no rush, I'll keep an eye out on the UK Apple refurb store over the coming weeks/months for a £1799 10th gen i5/16/512, as it's an off the shelf model (no BTO requirements) I'm hopeful they may start to appear in due course.