MBP 16 overkill for me?

[buin20]

Just picked up a new 16" MBP after my 2017 13" fell off a table and the screen broke which wasn't worth the repair cost. Apple's extended closure is giving me a ton of time to debate the following before my return period runs out:

I purchased the $2400 16" model because I didn't want to wait around for the 14" to come out but now that I've spent the money I'm thinking it might be complete overkill for me with the new Airs being released a few days ago.

For reference, I run Spotify, Chrome, and iMessage at all times. The only increase in power that I need beyond that is to run excel for financial modeling or Sketch for creating investment memos. Historically I have had 16GB of ram in my past 2 computers so I would likely just get i5 MBA and upgrade ram to 16GB. Would save me about $1000.

Also figure that with the new 16" I would plan on keeping it until at least 2025 and maybe beyond. With a cheaper MBA I could easily upgrade in 2023 or just ride it out longer as something to use on the couch.

If it helps, I almost exclusively run the MBP as a desktop machine plugged into a 4K 27" monitor clamshell closed. Was debating hooking up my older 1440p 27" monitor as well but don't really see a major need for dual external monitors given my use cases.

 

[Micky Do]

If it helps, I almost exclusively run the MBP as a desktop machine plugged into a 4K 27" monitor clamshell closed. Was debating hooking up my older 1440p 27" monitor as well but don't really see a major need for dual external monitors given my use cases.

Sounds like a Mac Mini would be more suitable.

Until a couple of years I only used a Mac Mini, which was transportable enough for the odd time I needed. It only took a minute to disconnect and re connect to peripherals at my destination. When I came to need to use a portable more frequently, I got a MacBook Air, which I used for work. everything else I did on the Mini. Having entered a transient phase of life I upgraded the storage on the Air, and that is all I am using at present. However I look forward to the time that I am settled somewhere again, and set up a Mac Mini on a desk again.....

 

[ThePeD]

The 16" is overkill for my use too, but i still bought it. It's nice to have the new keyboard and knowing the machine can handle more difficult tasks if i ever need to do them.

 

[russell_314]

Just picked up a new 16" MBP after my 2017 13" fell off a table and the screen broke which wasn't worth the repair cost. Apple's extended closure is giving me a ton of time to debate the following before my return period runs out:

I purchased the $2400 16" model because I didn't want to wait around for the 14" to come out but now that I've spent the money I'm thinking it might be complete overkill for me with the new Airs being released a few days ago.

For reference, I run Spotify, Chrome, and iMessage at all times. The only increase in power that I need beyond that is to run excel for financial modeling or Sketch for creating investment memos. Historically I have had 16GB of ram in my past 2 computers so I would likely just get i5 MBA and upgrade ram to 16GB. Would save me about $1000.

Also figure that with the new 16" I would plan on keeping it until at least 2025 and maybe beyond. With a cheaper MBA I could easily upgrade in 2023 or just ride it out longer as something to use on the couch.

If it helps, I almost exclusively run the MBP as a desktop machine plugged into a 4K 27" monitor clamshell closed. Was debating hooking up my older 1440p 27" monitor as well but don't really see a major need for dual external monitors given my use cases.

About as much overkill as driving a Bugatti Veyron 60 MPH down the highway. It'll still do the job just fine and just because it'll do 200 MPH doesn't mean you have to do that. Now if you wanted a computer for the tasks you listed I would say the Mac mini as the post above recommended or the new MacBook Air. The downside of the mini is you would be attached to a desk and the Air would have a smaller screen. Since you use a computer as a desktop with an external monitor neither one of those would be a negative to you.

 

[profcutter]

The difference is that a Bugatti is actually really bad at relaxed highway cruising. It’s loud, uncomfortable, wastes fuel, and always trying to force you to go faster - at least as far as I’ve read, never seen one in person. The mbp will truck along just fine doing emails web and office for years, it will do it well, and the larger screen will make it more comfortable for long sessions.

 

[jerryk]

The difference is that a Bugatti is actually really bad at relaxed highway cruising. It’s loud, uncomfortable, wastes fuel, and always trying to force you to go faster - at least as far as I’ve read, never seen one in person. The mbp will truck along just fine doing emails web and office for years, it will do it well, and the larger screen will make it more comfortable for long sessions.

Screen size is not an issues for OP since he is always using an external monitor. Also, having the extra $1000 in your pocket is nice.

 

[Fishrrman]

I agree with the idea of a Mini (as expressed in reply 2 above).
Works fine "on the desktop" (that's what it IS).
Less money and may be "all that you need".

 

[chrono1081]

Just picked up a new 16" MBP after my 2017 13" fell off a table and the screen broke which wasn't worth the repair cost. Apple's extended closure is giving me a ton of time to debate the following before my return period runs out:

I purchased the $2400 16" model because I didn't want to wait around for the 14" to come out but now that I've spent the money I'm thinking it might be complete overkill for me with the new Airs being released a few days ago.

For reference, I run Spotify, Chrome, and iMessage at all times. The only increase in power that I need beyond that is to run excel for financial modeling or Sketch for creating investment memos. Historically I have had 16GB of ram in my past 2 computers so I would likely just get i5 MBA and upgrade ram to 16GB. Would save me about $1000.

Also figure that with the new 16" I would plan on keeping it until at least 2025 and maybe beyond. With a cheaper MBA I could easily upgrade in 2023 or just ride it out longer as something to use on the couch.

If it helps, I almost exclusively run the MBP as a desktop machine plugged into a 4K 27" monitor clamshell closed. Was debating hooking up my older 1440p 27" monitor as well but don't really see a major need for dual external monitors given my use cases.

Given your usage I would say it is overkill. If you were using the laptop as a desktop replacement with no external monitor I would say the 16 inch is a decent fit (still overkill power wise but not for screen real estate).

Macbook Air's are actually pretty powerful. I used to run 3D software and game engines on mine when I had it (it was a 2010 model). It wasn't the fastest at CPU rendering obviously but it was still a very capable machine for creative work.

 

[4sallypat]

Coming from a 2012 MBP 13", I am using an external Apple Thunderbolt 27" display with my 16" MBP which is now my "desktop" computer.

Love having 3 modes of operation: desktop dual screens, clamshell mode, portable laptop use.

 

[profcutter]

I also think a mini is a good choice. I’m just saying it’s not a particularly useful analogy because a 16” would do everything he wanted without difficulty. An iMac wouldn’t be the worst idea either. I also think an Air would do the trick. If the OP wants to just save the hassle and keep what they have, that seems ok too.

 

[Ericdjensen]

You could get any computer Apple sells.

I'd get something cheaper. Overkill for sure

 

[buin20]

Thanks for the input. May just use this cracked older model for a couple more weeks and wait to pick up a 14" whenever Apple decides to release it. Will return the 16 whenever apple stores open back up again.

 

[russell_314]

Thanks for the input. May just use this cracked older model for a couple more weeks and wait to pick up a 14" whenever Apple decides to release it. Will return the 16 whenever apple stores open back up again.

So you're replacing one overkill computer for a smaller overkill computer? I guess at least it might be cheaper LOL

 

[Camarillo Brillo]

Coming from a 2012 MBP 13", I am using an external Apple Thunderbolt 27" display with my 16" MBP which is now my "desktop" computer.

Love having 3 modes of operation: desktop dual screens, clamshell mode, portable laptop use.

How about that heat and fan noise when you’ve got the external hooked up?

 

[buin20]

So you're replacing one overkill computer for a smaller overkill computer? I guess at least it might be cheaper LOL

Ya. I don't need a discrete graphics card or twin fans or 6 cores. I'll save about $800. Seriously the discrete graphics just seems like one more component that can break at some point in the future.

 

[profcutter]

This seems like a reasonable choice to me!

 

[russell_314]

Ya. I don't need a discrete graphics card or twin fans or 6 cores. I'll save about $800. Seriously the discrete graphics just seems like one more component that can break at some point in the future.

I expect the new 14" (14.1"?) MBP to have discreet graphics and 6 cores but perhaps they will have a base model without this. I'm not sure about twin fans though.

 

[pshufd]

My 2015 15 is a bit of overkill as I could get my work done on the 13 but I prefer the 15. I will likely have to do video from time to time and it's nice just to have the extra compute power. Many years ago I really didn't do video but a lot of people do self-improvement but taking videos of themselves playing tennis and then asking others to look at the video and critique it. So I do some video editing from time to time and more CPU, RAM and SSD help.

If you get overkill, and you need the overkill, you're all set to go. You could upgrade but that means moving your stuff over to a new machine and selling the old one.

Mine are hooked up to monitors in clamshell mode 90% of the time but I would use the extra screen space on the 16. It's nice for development work.

 

[jerryk]

Thanks for the input. May just use this cracked older model for a couple more weeks and wait to pick up a 14" whenever Apple decides to release it. Will return the 16 whenever apple stores open back up again.

Are doing an extended return periods? The normal is 14 days in the US. You can return online or via phone.

 

[4sallypat]

How about that heat and fan noise when you’ve got the external hooked up?

My 16" MBP with the 27" Thunderbolt does not have a heat or fan noise problem like I have experienced using a 2015 MBP at work with a similar setup.

The 16" is much quieter, runs cooler, but does have occasional restart/crash reports due to "Windows Server" panics.
With the updates on Catalina, it seems to be less of an issue.