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Oirectine

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 11, 2003
243
88
Maryland
So I used a 13" late 2013 model MBP for about five years. I had a desktop PC running Windows and Linux for about 2 of those years, but most of the time it was my only computer. It has gone to 4 different countries with me and done a great job. A week ago I got the new mid-model 15" MacBook Pro. Here are just some random thoughts:

- I actually like the new keyboards they've gone with. The bed feels more sturdy and stable. I don't mind the short travel distance really. For comparison, I'm typing this on my PC with a mechanical keyboard. In comparison it feels like I need sooo much pressure to type on this thing.

- I actually love the touch bar. I can't remember the last time I used an honest-to-god function key on MacOS. The touch bar, I use every day. I replaced the Siri button with a notifications show/hide button.

- The screen is a huge upgrade, mostly because of the size. True tone is nice, but subtle; I can't really tell if it is on or off unless I toggle it.

- The speakers are a huge upgrade as well.

- In 5 years, I got twice the RAM, twice the SSD storage, twice the CPU benchmarks (or more for multi core). But it's more expensive now, too.

- The price is honestly the biggest problem with these machines IMO. I've owned three 15" MBPs and this one was easily the most expensive.

- The lack of ports doesn't really bother me much. I carry my laptop in a backpack, no problem throwing a couple small dongles in there.

- I also wish the FaceTime camera was updated to 1080p. I use it almost every day.

- Even for light gaming, I'd rather be using my Windows PC. Even a game such as Hearthstone results in a lot of heat and noise.

- Didn't they used to include cleaning cloths with MBPs?
 
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Thanks for posting. I'm coming from a late 2013 13" rMBP too. What specs did you go with?
 
Cool. I was thinking of following a pretty similar path. I'm on a 2011 13" base model now as my secondary computer, and I'm thinking of going with the 2018 15" 2.2ghz/512gb model (maybe upgrade to the 560x for 100 bucks??). I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but your points are pretty good. I am leaning towards saying 'yes', but I'm still hesitant regarding the mediocre GPU and price tag. I saw a youtube video today where the uploader returned the same 2018 MBP because he couldn't run 1080p live streaming at 60fps well. That's just crazy for a $2600+ laptop...
 
Cool. I was thinking of following a pretty similar path. I'm on a 2011 13" base model now as my secondary computer, and I'm thinking of going with the 2018 15" 2.2ghz/512gb model (maybe upgrade to the 560x for 100 bucks??). I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but your points are pretty good. I am leaning towards saying 'yes', but I'm still hesitant regarding the mediocre GPU and price tag. I saw a youtube video today where the uploader returned the same 2018 MBP because he couldn't run 1080p live streaming at 60fps well. That's just crazy for a $2600+ laptop...

Is this due to Google (YouTube) restricting codecs?

https://9to5mac.com/2017/01/12/youtube․com-no-longer-supports-4k-video-playback-in-safari/

(Article says 4K but I think you can’t even do 1440p on Safari)
 
Nice, thanks for the impressions. I was thinking of moving up to the 15" from a 13" myself. Does the larger footprint and weight bother you in any way? Are you mobile with it, or just mainly use it at a work desk? My main sticking point right now is the extra screen space vs. the portability...
 
Nice, thanks for the impressions. I was thinking of moving up to the 15" from a 13" myself. Does the larger footprint and weight bother you in any way? Are you mobile with it, or just mainly use it at a work desk? My main sticking point right now is the extra screen space vs. the portability...

I use it at work, in the car (parked!), on my lap, on lots of desks, and in bed. Honestly I love the extra space and don't mind the extra size at all. It stays in my 21 liter backpack's laptop pouch until I need it. The only time I was thinking it might be more awkward is air travel, but I can't really say for sure until I take it on a flight.
[doublepost=1532537251][/doublepost]
https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

The camera is still 720p, sadly. That is a big joke haha.

Ah there was a typo in my original post. Yeah, I *wish* they would upgrade it.
 
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