MBP 13 - First Time Buyer - Help

[RedlegsFan]

I am thinking about grabbing a 13in MBP from B&H Photo and I am looking for a little guidance from those of you familiar with the Mac landscape. I am coming from the Windows world and I need a new computer.

1. If I get a 13 in with most likely 16GB ram/256SSD, is this suitable for being used as a desktop replacement while at home? I am not doing anything intensive outside of some light photo editing.

2. I am looking at the following items on B&H's website. Are the price point on these items good?
$1,585 for 2.7GHz/16GB Ram/256SSD OR $1,399 for 2.7GHz/16GB Ram/128 SSD
I want this machine to have the max ram for future proofing.

I guess if I get the smaller SSD I could always get a flash memory card to put my music on it, which would free up 50 gigs on the SSD. But is the higher model worth the price increase?

Any advice is appreciated. I understand new notebooks should be coming out soon, so I guess my final question is a common one. Should I wait?

 

[Hellhammer]

I think you should wait, unless you absolutely need one right now. A refresh is expected next month at WWDC and it could be a redesign given that the same design has been around for years now.

As for storage, I think you should go with 256GB if it's going to be your main machine. 128GB can get a little tight, especially if you're looking to keep the Mac for a number of years. It's possible, even likely, that Apple will make 256GB the standard in next gen, so you would probably save money by waiting a bit.

 

[Howard2k]

I have the 256/2.7 and use it as my primary desktop.

Gaming is done on a console, though I did just download Civ V last night.
On the laptop my primary uses are web surfing, some Lightroom and GIMP (amateur stuff), iTunes, writing, and some Garageband type stuff.

The other night I was plugged into my HDTV via HDMI and streaming a movie off the NAS through the MacBook and onto the TV, while surfing the net and editing some audio files at the same time, and there was no stress on the system at all.

For storage 256GB isn't a lot, I keep most of my data on the NAS and keep files local while working on them. I might import from my camera to the SSD and then do all my reviewing/tweaking etc there, then when all finished export to the NAS, for example. But if I was planning to rely on internal storage that would be an issue, my photo library is around 200GB and my music library is around 60GB, so you can see the problem.

I bought a refurb when they were on sale recently. I played the waiting game for a while but when the refurbished units went on sale I figured "what the hell..." I am pretty excited to see what the new units will be though.

 

[RedlegsFan]

I am thinking that the current units on B&H (and anywhere else for that matter) will be cheaper once the new models come out. I think I could get buy on the current processor/16GB ram/256SSD for a few years. But, I guess what's the harm in waiting since it's not something I need this second. I am dying to get my hands on one though and dump the Windows environment once and for all.

 

[zhenya]

Of any time in the past several years, now is the time to wait. A major revision is likely forthcoming, and even if the new ones don't suit you, the prices on the current models aren't going anywhere but down.

 

[Closingracer]

I think you should wait, unless you absolutely need one right now. A refresh is expected next month at WWDC and it could be a redesign given that the same design has been around for years now.

As for storage, I think you should go with 256GB if it's going to be your main machine. 128GB can get a little tight, especially if you're looking to keep the Mac for a number of years. It's possible, even likely, that Apple will make 256GB the standard in next gen, so you would probably save money by waiting a bit.

Honestly I wouldn't bet on a redesign and if you can get a good deal on the 2015 model I say it would be a better deal than the 2016 model at full price. People want to clamor onto the fact that they think Skylake is the next huge thing since slice bread but it isn't..... Computing wise it's slightly better with it using slightly less power and the gpu beings slightly better than the previous broadwell generation since we are talking about the 13 inch. Integrated gpu's aren't really to write about in terms of power and it might shave a few seconds but cool I guess? As far as you thinking Apple might make the 256gb ssd standard..... You have a better chance of Apple making 32gb standard in iPhones.... Easy money for Apple to up sell you on that upgrade alone.




As far the OP goes I would go for the 256gb ssd and 8GB of ram imo. 8gb is fine for future proofing unless your doing some heavy photo editing or video editing.

 

[Closingracer]

Of any time in the past several years, now is the time to wait. A major revision is likely forthcoming, and even if the new ones don't suit you, the prices on the current models aren't going anywhere but down.

I love how people are over hyping the Skylake upgrade and/or this major redesign..... I can picture thr disappointment come WWDC when or even if Apple announces an upgraded Macbook when you get basically the same Macbook Pro with at best an included USB 3.1 port or USB C and a nerfed one at it. Honestly I rather wait for thunderbolt 3 than get the USB C that Apple is currently using in the Macbook.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"I want this machine to have the max ram for future proofing."

If you REALLY want "future proofing", hold out 3-4 weeks.

There are NEW MacBook Pros coming out around the time of the Worldwide Developers' Conference out west.

I sense the revamped MB Pros are going to be very nice.

 

[Closingracer]

OP wrote:
"I want this machine to have the max ram for future proofing."

If you REALLY want "future proofing", hold out 3-4 weeks.

There are NEW MacBook Pros coming out around the time of the Worldwide Developers' Conference out west.

I sense the revamped MB Pros are going to be very nice.

Future proofing what? Skylake isn't going to be overly better than broadwell cpu's..... And if you want to wait I would suggest waiting until the year 2065 when thy announce Macbook pros with 6ghz octa core cpu's and 3 dedicated gpu's along with 255gb of ram. The current Macbook pros will last quite a long time for light photo editing and Web surfing....

Oh I forgot to add but these new Macbooks are fan less and has 24k screens

 

[zhenya]

I love how people are over hyping the Skylake upgrade and/or this major redesign..... I can picture thr disappointment come WWDC when or even if Apple announces an upgraded Macbook when you get basically the same Macbook Pro with at best an included USB 3.1 port or USB C and a nerfed one at it. Honestly I rather wait for thunderbolt 3 than get the USB C that Apple is currently using in the Macbook.

The existing design is 5 years old, itself really just a facelift of a design that is nearly 9 years old. The importance of this update is not in the processor and GPU speed updates; it's that it will likely slim down the volume and weight by a significant amount, and offer Thunderbolt connectivity over the USB-c connection that will be the standard for the next decade. A couple of years from now, a Mac bought a couple of months from now will be considerably more modern than one bought today. Unless you absolutely need a laptop right now, as I said, of all times in recent years, now is the time to at least wait and see what happens.

 

[Closingracer]

The existing design is 5 years old, itself really just a facelift of a design that is nearly 9 years old. The importance of this update is not in the processor and GPU speed updates; it's that it will likely slim down the volume and weight by a significant amount, and offer Thunderbolt connectivity over the USB-c connection that will be the standard for the next decade. A couple of years from now, a Mac bought a couple of months from now will be considerably more modern than one bought today. Unless you absolutely need a laptop right now, as I said, of all times in recent years, now is the time to at least wait and see what happens.

They aren't going to redesign the Macbook Pro no matter how old it is or what you think of it.... The Macbook Air is a slimmer version of the pro basically and the Macbook itself is literally the Macbook Air but smaller and add in some colors..... As far as USB C goes......Won't be for another 4-6 years before it's a standard. You still have USB 2.0 on laptops and USB 3.0 has yet to be a norm.

 

[zhenya]

They aren't going to redesign the Macbook Pro no matter how old it is or what you think of it.... The Macbook Air is a slimmer version of the pro basically and the Macbook itself is literally the Macbook Air but smaller and add in some colors..... As far as USB C goes......Won't be for another 4-6 years before it's a standard. You still have USB 2.0 on laptops and USB 3.0 has yet to be a norm.

I'll be glad to come back after WWDC to revisit this POV.

 

[jerryk]

I would wait. In fact, I am waiting.

If the new design is just the current design with a few tweaks I will likely buy the old system at a nice discount.

 

[Hellhammer]

They aren't going to redesign the Macbook Pro no matter how old it is or what you think of it....

And your source is? Don't talk like you know everything because your guess is as good as ours. There may or may not be a redesign this year, but in any case it's worthwhile to wait if the OP doesn't have an urgent need. Why? Because the 2015 model he's eyeing at the moment will be even cheaper once the new ones are available and it's a good choice if the update doesn't provide anything of significance to the OP. Alternatively he may be able to get a 2016 model with better specs for the same price, and if nothing else it will at least have better resale value down the road.

Won't be for another 4-6 years before it's a standard. You still have USB 2.0 on laptops and USB 3.0 has yet to be a norm.

Please show us a currently selling laptop that doesn't have USB 3.0.

 

[Closingracer]

And your source is? Don't talk like you know everything because your guess is as good as ours. There may or may not be a redesign this year, but in any case it's worthwhile to wait if the OP doesn't have an urgent need. Why? Because the 2015 model he's eyeing at the moment will be even cheaper once the new ones are available and it's a good choice if the update doesn't provide anything of significance to the OP. Alternatively he may be able to get a 2016 model with better specs for the same price, and if nothing else it will at least have better resale value down the road.



Please show us a currently selling laptop that doesn't have USB 3.0.

Lol...... I would bet you money on the fact it won't be a major redesign.....surely wouldn't do it at WWDC well because it's focus isn't on Macbooks but all Apple products and well for developers.




Please show me a laptop that isn't made by Apple that ONLY has USB 3.0 ports and more than one at it..... Those $300 laptops has around 3 USB ports with only one a 3.0 port. Even my $1,500 windows gaming laptop at the time of purchase has 4 USB ports 2 of them USB 2.0 ports along with 2 USB 3.0.....


As long as they are adding USB 2.0 ports onto laptops you WON'T be getting USB C on any Windows laptop under $800 MSRP.




Can't wait until WWDC so I can see all these Apple centric forums go haywire when we see the SAME general design for a Macbook Pro

 

[Hellhammer]

Lol...... I would bet you money on the fact it won't be a major redesign.....surely wouldn't do it at WWDC well because it's focus isn't on Macbooks but all Apple products and well for developers.

WWDC 2012 - Retina MBP and updated MBA
WWDC 2013 - Redesigned Mac Pro and updated MBA

Apple has certainly done it before and may very well do it again. Another notable thing is that both times Apple unveiled something at WWDC it was a substantial upgrade and redesign.

Please show me a laptop that isn't made by Apple that ONLY has USB 3.0 ports and more than one at it..... Those $300 laptops has around 3 USB ports with only one a 3.0 port. Even my $1,500 windows gaming laptop at the time of purchase has 4 USB ports 2 of them USB 2.0 ports along with 2 USB 3.0.....

As long as every laptop you can buy today has USB 3.0, be it one, two or three ports, it is still a norm because every new computer out there supports it. Honestly most people don't need more than one anyway because the benefits of USB 3.0 are limited to file transfers - it won't make your mouse work any faster.

As long as they are adding USB 2.0 ports onto laptops you WON'T be getting USB C on any Windows laptop under $800 MSRP.

USB-C is a connector, not an interface. You could have a USB-C port that is electrically USB 2.0.

 

[maflynn]

I would wait. In fact, I am waiting.

If the new design is just the current design with a few tweaks I will likely buy the old system at a nice discount.

Given that WWDC is just mere weeks away, why not. Its safer to wait at this stage and then make an informed decision.

 

[robvas]

I have the 8GB/512GB and it would be my choice before the 16GB model with the 256GB drive

 

[RedlegsFan]

I have the 8GB/512GB and it would be my choice before the 16GB model with the 256GB drive

I am thinking the 16 is the better buy since I could always get a external hard drive if but the ram is not upgadeable.

I still have my eye on the unit at B&H, 16/256 for $1585. If the new models don't wow me, and that price goes down I would think that would be a steal. We will see I guess.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I am thinking the 16 is the better buy since I could always get a external hard drive if but the ram is not upgadeable.

I still have my eye on the unit at B&H, 16/256 for $1585. If the new models don't wow me, and that price goes down I would think that would be a steal. We will see I guess.

Ram isn't upgradeable but your stated work case barely needs 4gb and an external drive is a pain in the bum I would go 512gb 8gb Ram with your use case any day of the week.

 

[RedlegsFan]

But wouldn't the 16GB help down the road a year or two, when things start to slow down due to software upgrades/updates?

 

[jerryk]

I am thinking the 16 is the better buy since I could always get a external hard drive if but the ram is not upgadeable.

I still have my eye on the unit at B&H, 16/256 for $1585. If the new models don't wow me, and that price goes down I would think that would be a steal. We will see I guess.

It depends. 8GB is plenty for most people. But, if you run a lot of Photo programs, Lightroom + Photoshop, and work with high resolution images, that may not be enough. I do this and also run Windows 10 in Parallels so I have 16GB in my system, 2011 MBP, and a 500 GB SSD.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

But wouldn't the 16GB help down the road a year or two, when things start to slow down due to software upgrades/updates?

Not unless you drastically change your use case.

 

[Meister]

You have said nothing about your usage.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

You have said nothing about your usage.

First post says nothing more intensive than some light photo editing.