macbook pro advice for graphic design (should i upgrade?)

[mbvmbmb]

hello.

I recently bought a mbp 2017 13 inch with touch bar for around 1800.

my question is if its worth it to pay an extra 400$ to get the base model 15 inch computer

what do you guys think? i have my 13 inch hooked up to an external monitor and it looks just fine.

im planning to take this to school everyday for my classes.

my only concern is getting my moneys worth. i feel this computer is really expensive and not only that you only have a dual core processor.......

the 15 inch has better specs in paper but im wondering how they transfer to real world usage.

im planning on using this for adobes creative suite. ( rarely i will be doing video editing) mostly photoshop, indesign , etc so its important for me to have a good screen on the go as well as at the dorms.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

The 13" is absolutely fine for you, pretty sure Ps/Ai/Id don't even use quad-core... If it's for school then the 13" is a better bet, you're worried about price and wanting to spend more? Get the 15" for the screen size and that alone to be honest. For your use, use the 13" and you already said you had an external monitor so should be good really. You shouldn't need the power of the 15" whilst taking notes in class or making memes in the studio.

For what it's worth, dual core processors have only really just become standard (For software) in recent years despite being common place 10 years ago. You can get an 8 or 12 core processor, but if the software you use is only running on 2, then you will not see the benefit for quite some time... So don't worry about it.

 

[mbvmbmb]

The 13" is absolutely fine for you, pretty sure Ps/Ai/Id don't even use quad-core... If it's for school then the 13" is a better bet, you're worried about price and wanting to spend more? Get the 15" for the screen size and that alone to be honest. For your use, use the 13" and you already said you had an external monitor so should be good really. You shouldn't need the power of the 15" whilst taking notes in class or making memes in the studio.

For what it's worth, dual core processors have only really just become standard (For software) in recent years despite being common place 10 years ago. You can get an 8 or 12 core processor, but if the software you use is only running on 2, then you will not see the benefit for quite some time... So don't worry about it.

what about long term longentivity of the computer ? wouldnt in theory the 15 inch last longer because of its better hardware?

im also a big fan of the screen and trackpad.


anyone else want to give some input?

 

[jeremiah256]

what about long term longentivity of the computer ? wouldnt in theory the 15 inch last longer because of its better hardware?

That's where your USB-C Thunderbolt-3 ports come into play. By the time, as a graphics professional you *might* need more GPU performance, you slap an external GPU on that bad boy and you're good to. @New_Mac_Smell is right. Most of the software you'll be using (or most people, for that matter), even in the next few years, if not going to be pushing your CPUs. Your computer is fine. Don't get caught up in the specs rat-race.

 

[mbvmbmb]

That's where your USB-C Thunderbolt-3 ports come into play. By the time, as a graphics professional you *might* need more GPU performance, you slap an external GPU on that bad boy and you're good to. @New_Mac_Smell is right. Most of the software you'll be using (or most people, for that matter), even in the next few years, if not going to be pushing your CPUs. Your computer is fine. Don't get caught up in the specs rat-race.

hmmm. intersting

so could you say that my money would be better invested in a better monitor ? mine is 1080p

or do you think that the bigger display is worth 400$?

 

[Queen6]

Another for the 13" need more display opt for an external. 15" is an expensive option if you don't fully utilise it. 13" MBP also has a far better record for reliability, a point worth considering...

Q-6

 

[mbvmbmb]

Another for the 13" need more display opt for an external. 15" is an expensive option if you don't fully utilise it. 13" MBP also has a far better record for reliability, a point worth considering...

Q-6

why do you say that the 13 has a better reliability?

 

[xb2003]

why do you say that the 13 has a better reliability?

Probably because almost every 15" with a dGPU has had some sort of an issue, though some much worse than others.

Seriously though, the 13" is plenty powerful. My first Mac was a 2015 15" base model, and not too long afterwards I picked up a 2011 13" used and slapped an SSD and 16GB in it of ram, and I kind of regret buying the 2015.

 

[mbvmbmb]

Probably because almost every 15" with a dGPU has had some sort of an issue, though some much worse than others.

Seriously though, the 13" is plenty powerful. My first Mac was a 2015 15" base model, and not too long afterwards I picked up a 2011 13" used and slapped an SSD and 16GB in it of ram, and I kind of regret buying the 2015.

thanks for your input. i really like my 13 inch , im just trying to explore my options.

 

[Queen6]

why do you say that the 13 has a better reliability?

Vast majority of the 15" MBP's have suffered design flaws and or production issues, even now those incurring issues with the keyboard and the increasing instances of displays cracking are predominantly the 15" Apple also has a tendency of not implementing true fixes rather replacing the same poorly designed modules/components. Personally I moved away from the 15" foe these very reasons and tiring of the need to constantly "baby" Apple's finest.

If you require the larger display, consider the 2015 design 15" MBP as it's a better notebook in many respects for some users, however it lacks the WOW factor of the newer models which Apple wants so desperately to impress people with...

Q-6

 

[jonawand]

I used a 13' in school, love the portability of it. Wouldn't want a bigger computer on the go.
In terms of power I had no problems running Ps, Ai, Id... I do have 16GB Ram

So I would keep the 13' model, unless you feel the need for a bigger screen on the road or at school. That should be the reason to change. You have a monitor at home

 

[AppleSmack]

I'd advise the 15" model. When you use Photoshop etc, you'll need to have control palettes open which take up space. On a small screen, you'll find yourself scrolling around A LOT to see your work.

 

[mbvmbmb]

I'd advise the 15" model. When you use Photoshop etc, you'll need to have control palettes open which take up space. On a small screen, you'll find yourself scrolling around A LOT to see your work.

Stuff like this is why I'm still considering paying extra for the 15 inch. Why is it so hard to decide. I'll sleep on it

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"im planning to take this to school everyday for my classes."

Herein lies "the answer".

Will you be willing to tote the extra size and weight of the 15" for several years? It may not seem like a big difference right now, but after a couple of years, you may think differently...

 

[AppleSmack]

OP wrote:
"im planning to take this to school everyday for my classes."

Herein lies "the answer".

Will you be willing to tote the extra size and weight of the 15" for several years? It may not seem like a big difference right now, but after a couple of years, you may think differently...

If you're using the 13" with an external monitor, then size is less of an issue, and with the benefit of portability. Users have reported though that the 13" can struggle to drive a 5k monitor because of its weaker graphics chip.

I sometimes carry my 15" MBP to client sites, and I do feel its weight in my backpack. But hey, I then get more screen space to work on.


I feel your pain, sounds like a tough decision between 2" of screen

 

[ZapNZs]

Personally I think the $400 is better put towards something like a 4k monitor, a Wacom tablet, an external SSD/HDD, or an iPad Pro (and it's impressively responsive stylus). The 12-inch retina MacBook and MacBook Air are both capable editing machines, so the MBP 13 is definitely up to the task if they are.

 

[mbvmbmb]

Personally I think the $400 is better put towards something like a 4k monitor, a Wacom tablet, an external SSD/HDD, or an iPad Pro (and it's impressively responsive stylus). The 12-inch retina MacBook and MacBook Air are both capable editing machines, so the MBP 13 is definitely up to the task if they are.

how well can the 13 inch drive a large monitor like a 27 inch 4k monitor or apples new 5k monitor?
[doublepost=1506066431][/doublepost]to be completely honest i am going to bump this thread again. i would like to hear more peoples opinions on the matter. I will be using this computer at school mostly and i cannot rely on working on a monitor because i will be constantly moving around campus.

i like the portability of the 13

but i also like the power and the screen of the 15

i am stuck in between and cannot seem to decide.

wiht apple care on both machines,, the difference is 500$$

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

how well can the 13 inch drive a large monitor like a 27 inch 4k monitor or apples new 5k monitor?
[doublepost=1506066431][/doublepost]to be completely honest i am going to bump this thread again. i would like to hear more peoples opinions on the matter. I will be using this computer at school mostly and i cannot rely on working on a monitor because i will be constantly moving around campus.

i like the portability of the 13

but i also like the power and the screen of the 15

i am stuck in between and cannot seem to decide.

wiht apple care on both machines,, the difference is 500$$

You seem to want to be convinced to get the 15"... So here's the deal.

The 13" is the portable machine, the 15" is the powerhouse. Now they are both perfectly portable and perfectly powerful, so usually the difference comes within a balance of needs.

If you absolutely need this to be portable above all else, then get the 13", it's powerful enough for your needs. If however you need it to be as powerful as possible above all else, then get the 15", it's portable enough for your needs.

If money is no object, then the 15" wins nearly every time as a more capable machine. However the definition of capable largely depends on your needs, it's a much more powerful machine but if all you do is check emails, then it's not really providing any benefit to you.

With regards to screen size I wouldn't worry about it to be honest. I worked through uni with a 13" and brought a 15" once I graduated. When you use it every day you will never notice the difference of 2 inches, you may notice it being a little heavier or more cumbersome on the desk at uni however. Personally, I had a dual monitor setup at home which I'd plug the 13" into and use it as a desktop. Suited my needs at the time just fine.

I'd also note I could in no way justify spending $3000 on a laptop for university, I wasn't doing professional work and things could quite happily take a little longer. I would notice being short on the rent each month long before I noticed any benefit to owning a slightly larger laptop. But that was my poor university days. Once I graduated and was actually earning a living off the thing then it's no problem to upgrade it, but I'd still never touch a $3000 laptop unless it was generating an income.

 

[Fishrrman]

My advice is, if you like what you have, keep it.

Get a 27" 4k display for the room. And a good hub/dock, too.

 

[mbvmbmb]

You seem to want to be convinced to get the 15"... So here's the deal.

The 13" is the portable machine, the 15" is the powerhouse. Now they are both perfectly portable and perfectly powerful, so usually the difference comes within a balance of needs.

If you absolutely need this to be portable above all else, then get the 13", it's powerful enough for your needs. If however you need it to be as powerful as possible above all else, then get the 15", it's portable enough for your needs.

If money is no object, then the 15" wins nearly every time as a more capable machine. However the definition of capable largely depends on your needs, it's a much more powerful machine but if all you do is check emails, then it's not really providing any benefit to you.

With regards to screen size I wouldn't worry about it to be honest. I worked through uni with a 13" and brought a 15" once I graduated. When you use it every day you will never notice the difference of 2 inches, you may notice it being a little heavier or more cumbersome on the desk at uni however. Personally, I had a dual monitor setup at home which I'd plug the 13" into and use it as a desktop. Suited my needs at the time just fine.

I'd also note I could in no way justify spending $3000 on a laptop for university, I wasn't doing professional work and things could quite happily take a little longer. I would notice being short on the rent each month long before I noticed any benefit to owning a slightly larger laptop. But that was my poor university days. Once I graduated and was actually earning a living off the thing then it's no problem to upgrade it, but I'd still never touch a $3000 laptop unless it was generating an income.

thanks for the reply.

really puts things in perspective.