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wb1

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Dec 16, 2016
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Hello. I'm new and I'm really torn about what to do on a laptop purchase. I have an old iMac that still functions ok, but is really starting to show its age. I want to get a laptop to use for basic functions but I also want to run a program called Zwift and do some minor photo stuff. I've included a photo of the Zwift requirements.
My issue is I don't know which way to go with this. I do know I'd prefer a 13-inch model.
On the one hand, the 2015 MBP appears perfectly acceptable (and I can go refurbished to save more money) but on the other, I'm just struggling with buying a nearly 2-year old design. Also, if I go with the new design, I don't know if I should get the touch bar version. That's a huge cost difference, but the non-touch bar version just seems lacking to me. Also I hate that I can't upgrade ram. As a result, I don't know if I should stick with 8 or get 16 (even more cash)
In the end, I feel like I'm trying to future-proof this to some degree which seems like a fool's errand, but I'm just stuck and would appreciate advice. Any help would be appreciated as I know little about computing matters. Thanks in advance!
 

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You haven't really said why you want a laptop; it sounds like this is to replace a desktop iMac, but then why you want a small screen is unknown. In the end you really have to know yourself and your needs. Is a few hundred bucks going to induce a significant hardship? Is portability needed for some reason now? The specs for your program include a lot of graphical power, but I can't help but think you would be better off with a huge monitor or HDTV set up in front of your bike and a cheap windows solution custom configured to drive this monitor for your purpose. The macbook pro is going to cost a huge premium for being Apple and ultraportable. If you need neither of these two things to get what you want, why pay for them?
 
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You haven't really said why you want a laptop; it sounds like this is to replace a desktop iMac, but then why you want a small screen is unknown. In the end you really have to know yourself and your needs. Is a few hundred bucks going to induce a significant hardship? Is portability needed for some reason now? The specs for your program include a lot of graphical power, but I can't help but think you would be better off with a huge monitor or HDTV set up in front of your bike and a cheap windows solution custom configured to drive this monitor for your purpose. The macbook pro is going to cost a huge premium for being Apple and ultraportable. If you need neither of these two things to get what you want, why pay for them?

Sorry. For the sake of brevity, I omitted some details. My trainer and bike are set up in my basement. I keep it down there to keep it out of the way so my wife doesn't hate cycling anymore than she already does. I don't have a tv there. I want the laptop so I can move it to and from the basement and use it for other purposes. I like the idea of portability after using a desktop for so long. I suppose I could go for a 15 inch but I thought that might be overkill for my needs. I have been using my wife's laptop (also a 13-inch screen) and it's fine from a display perspective. Problem is she has an older laptop and it isn't supported by Zwift anymore.
So I really don't want to buy a tv and a computer if I can help it. I suppose I could set up the desktop downstairs, but I really don't want to have a computer (or a tv) just dedicated for a cycling application as I feel that's not horribly practical. That said I do want to use it for Zwift, so here I am. From a financial perspective, I'm fortunate enough that a few hundred bucks won't induce a hardship, but again, I am trying to be somewhat practical. Also, I've owned several Macs and, in my experience, they hold up well over the long term. I hate windows and don't want to mess with it so I'm a little resistant to getting a PC. Times may have changed and I may need to rethink that, but I like Mac OS and would prefer it for home use.
Hope that helps.
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Sorry. For the sake of brevity, I omitted some details. My trainer and bike are set up in my basement. I keep it down there to keep it out of the way so my wife doesn't hate cycling anymore than she already does. I don't have a tv there. I want the laptop so I can move it to and from the basement and use it for other purposes. I like the idea of portability after using a desktop for so long. I suppose I could go for a 15 inch but I thought that might be overkill for my needs. I have been using my wife's laptop (also a 13-inch screen) and it's fine from a display perspective. Problem is she has an older laptop and it isn't supported by Zwift anymore.
So I really don't want to buy a tv and a computer if I can help it. I suppose I could set up the desktop downstairs, but I really don't want to have a computer (or a tv) just dedicated for a cycling application as I feel that's not horribly practical. That said I do want to use it for Zwift, so here I am. From a financial perspective, I'm fortunate enough that a few hundred bucks won't induce a hardship, but again, I am trying to be somewhat practical. Also, I've owned several Macs and, in my experience, they hold up well over the long term. I hate windows and don't want to mess with it so I'm a little resistant to getting a PC. Times may have changed and I may need to rethink that, but I like Mac OS and would prefer it for home use.
Hope that helps.


Also, I should note that I'm using Zwift mostly in the winter months and in inclement weather. Yes, it is year-round, but still highly seasonal. Hopefully that gives additional insight into why I would prefer not to have a dedicated system. Trying to kill two birds, so to speak
 
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Hello. I'm new and I'm really torn about what to do on a laptop purchase.

At the moment, I'd wait unless it was urgent. There's a lot of negativity about the new MacBook Pros right now - I'd at least give it a few months until its clear that things like the battery life and graphics issues have been fixed for good (and not just papered over) by software updates. Also, the range/availability of USB-C devices might pick up & manufacturers will have a chance to test stuff with the new machines. Plus, we'll see if Apple updates the mini or iMac.

If my laptop died and I had to buy today, I'd either get a 2015 rMBP or change tack and go for an iMac 5k (the current model is only about a year old and has the latest suitable CPU) and an Air (now looking like a timeless classic) for portable duties.

Of the new lot, I think I prefer the non-touchbar, simply because it makes sense as a "retina MacBook Air" ultraportable whereas the touchbar models can't decide if they're overpowered ultrabooks or underpowered workstations.
 
At the moment, I'd wait unless it was urgent. There's a lot of negativity about the new MacBook Pros right now - I'd at least give it a few months until its clear that things like the battery life and graphics issues have been fixed for good (and not just papered over) by software updates. Also, the range/availability of USB-C devices might pick up & manufacturers will have a chance to test stuff with the new machines. Plus, we'll see if Apple updates the mini or iMac.

If my laptop died and I had to buy today, I'd either get a 2015 rMBP or change tack and go for an iMac 5k (the current model is only about a year old and has the latest suitable CPU) and an Air (now looking like a timeless classic) for portable duties.

Of the new lot, I think I prefer the non-touchbar, simply because it makes sense as a "retina MacBook Air" ultraportable whereas the touchbar models can't decide if they're overpowered ultrabooks or underpowered workstations.

Thanks. Yeah, I'm leaning this way but I'm curious about the graphics. I keep second guessing whether I really need the newer Iris or if it will give me more longevity. Any thoughts?
 
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