MBP 16" Base Models will be dime a dozen.

[datpricetho]

I need to buy a Mac now for Software engineering bootcamp and am debating 16" MBP base vs 16" MBP with 32GB ram and 5500M 8GB. Both with 512GB SSD. I don't NEED these increased specs TODAY, I could get by with a base model for the next 1-2 years. I only would do basic 4k editing, raw photo edits, and play some CIV V. I also have a spec'd windows desktop with a 2080ti I use for gaming and heavy video work, but I prefer the Mac workflow for everything.
I am planning to resell the MBP later or give it to a family member. I expect that the base models will be dime a dozen on the resell market at that time and that any other specs will be sought after by devs or people who wish to run windows etc. The price difference is $452 dollars for this spec bump. What spec of 16" MBP would YOU buy if you were in my socks and crocs?

 

[simonmet]

First off. Crocks and socks 🤮

My advice is: go base + 5500m 4 GB

Don’t bother with 32 GB ram. It’s still too expensive. Getting 1 TB of storage will probably help with resale-ability more than extra RAM.

You could possibly consider the 8 GB graphics, which can seemingly help in a few specific applications and tasks, but hardly at all for games so personally I wouldn’t. And I’m one of the ones that did get it.

In a couple of years everything will be ARM and the scene will look vastly different. I wouldn’t spend too much right now if you don’t need to. The Intel Macs may not hold their value as well once the switch happens.

 

[datpricetho]

5500M 4GB isn't an option unfortunately. What makes the base model a great deal is that I can get it on Amazon and get 5% back. Its either Off the shelf Amazon build or refurb Apple build. I should note that I have already in my possession the i7, 32gb, 5500M 8GB, 512GB model.

 

[simonmet]

That’s why I regret upgrading to the 8 GB option myself: I traded in a 10% discount to go BTO. And for a benefit I will probably never see! It was stupid, but oh well.

You mentioned that you wanted your model to stand out from an expected flood of base models in a few years however, so that’s why I suggested a 5500 M BTO model, even at the cost of a discount.

 

[yatesd]

Personally, resale value should be a small part of the purchase equation and I would argue the base model will do better as a % of cost. The base is popular because they are a good deal.

 

[Hieveryone]

I need to buy a Mac now for Software engineering bootcamp and am debating 16" MBP base vs 16" MBP with 32GB ram and 5500M 8GB. Both with 512GB SSD. I don't NEED these increased specs TODAY, I could get by with a base model for the next 1-2 years. I only would do basic 4k editing, raw photo edits, and play some CIV V. I also have a spec'd windows desktop with a 2080ti I use for gaming and heavy video work, but I prefer the Mac workflow for everything.
I am planning to resell the MBP later or give it to a family member. I expect that the base models will be dime a dozen on the resell market at that time and that any other specs will be sought after by devs or people who wish to run windows etc. The price difference is $452 dollars for this spec bump. What spec of 16" MBP would YOU buy if you were in my socks and crocs?

I'm not a tech expert, but for me, I always get the base model. Apple updates so often that I don't want to invest a bunch of money into something then be soundly outdated in no time. Unless I need a spec bump for daily tasks, which I never have, then I would not get the higher specs, but that's just me. You might need the higher specs, or keep the computer for a long time, and you may find it more useful. You in the end have to decide, but I know apple here in America has a return period, I'm pretty sure, so that may help you figure which one you want if you buy something and don't like it.

 

[nikhsub1]

I'm getting a highly spec'd intel MBP when they refresh the 16" - I need heavy VM usage and it will likely be the last intel mac I buy so it will be around for a LONG time, even if just to run my x86 VMs.

 

[sixtydashone]

You don't need 32GB ram, so I would get the base model.

 

[Patcell]

I'm getting a highly spec'd intel MBP when they refresh the 16" - I need heavy VM usage and it will likely be the last intel mac I buy so it will be around for a LONG time, even if just to run my x86 VMs.

I'm not sure they are going to update the 16"... the 10th Gen H-series Intel chips are still on 14nm, so there really isn't much of a performance increase, they are just clocked slightly higher. For that reason, Apple may skip the 10th Gen Intel stuff and move straight to A-series chips in the next 16" refresh.

 

[Waragainstsleep]

I need to buy a Mac now for Software engineering bootcamp and am debating 16" MBP base vs 16" MBP with 32GB ram and 5500M 8GB. Both with 512GB SSD. I don't NEED these increased specs TODAY, I could get by with a base model for the next 1-2 years. I only would do basic 4k editing, raw photo edits, and play some CIV V. I also have a spec'd windows desktop with a 2080ti I use for gaming and heavy video work, but I prefer the Mac workflow for everything.
I am planning to resell the MBP later or give it to a family member. I expect that the base models will be dime a dozen on the resell market at that time and that any other specs will be sought after by devs or people who wish to run windows etc. The price difference is $452 dollars for this spec bump. What spec of 16" MBP would YOU buy if you were in my socks and crocs?

Your specs are off somewhere. The base has a 5300M, the next one up has the 5500M 4GB, 1TB SSD and an i9.
If you want 8GB VRAM you're BTO.
Also, doesn't Apple charge $400 just for the extra RAM to 32GB? How are you getting the GPU upgraded twice for $52?